a&e features
Best of LGBTQ D.C. 2024
The Blade’s annual review of your favorites in food, nightlife, and more
Once again the Blade is proud to celebrate the best in our local community, from activists to pizza.
With nearly 5,000 nominations and 35,000 votes, this was the biggest year yet for our annual friendly competition, our 23rd year organizing this contest. Stephen Rutgers coordinated the voting; Michael Key coordinated the photos. This year’s contributing writers are: Lou Chibbaro Jr., Chris Kane, Kevin Naff, Joe Reberkenny, Tinashe Chingarande, Clinton Engelberger, Erkki Forster, Joey DiGuglielmo, Evan Caplan, and Patrick Folliard.
This year’s Local Hero Award, which is the only award voted on by Blade staff, goes to the tireless June Crenshaw, a ubiquitous presence in our local community who does life-saving work.
Local Hero: June Crenshaw
Those who know June Crenshaw describe her as a fierce advocate for the safety and empowerment of LGBTQ youth who are experiencing homelessness.
Since 2016, Crenshaw has served as executive director of the Wanda Alston Foundation, a D.C.-based nonprofit organization providing support and services for homeless LGBTQ youth in the D.C. metro area.
The Alston Foundation says in a statement that under Crenshaw’s leadership, the organization provides two to six years of shelter, case management, connection to medical and mental health care, development of life skills, and employment and school support for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness between the ages of 18 and 24.
“Since joining the Wanda Alston Foundation, June has significantly increased awareness of the prevalence of homelessness among LGBTQ youth and the trauma they experience,” the statement says. “She tirelessly fights for resources to be allocated to programs that create a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness,” it says.
“She educates, trains, and motivates her staff and volunteers to ensure a consistent vision and optimal organizational performance,” the statement continues. “She has tripled the organization’s budget and, after 13 years of operations, opened the second location and a Counseling Center that focuses on supporting queer folks impacted by Intimate Partner Violence,” it says.
Crenshaw took on additional responsibilities in 2022 when a D.C. Superior Court judge appointed the Alston Foundation to serve as the city’s receiver for the LGBTQ community services center Casa Ruby, placing the Alston Foundation in full control of the operations and finances of the then faltering Casa Ruby, which has since ceased operating.
Meanwhile, in addition to her role as executive director of the Alston Foundation, Crenshaw also serves as co-chair of the organizing committee for World Pride 2025, the international LGBTQ Pride celebration that D.C. will host, and which will take place May 23 to June 7, 2025.
“Those two things keep me very busy,” Crenshaw told the Blade. “But I continue to be engaged with the community advocating around resources for queer organizations to be able to serve and support our community members. So, real strong advocacy around the D.C. budget and making sure resources come to organizations like the Wanda Alston Foundation, but other organizations as well.”
A native of Oklahoma, Crenshaw earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Tulsa in 1984, the year she moved to D.C. where she became involved in a wide range of endeavors in both nonprofit organizations and the business world.
She worked from 1989 to 1994 as a supervisor for research for the D.C.-based firm Washington Service Bureau, Inc., before working from 1994 to 2012 as a supervisor and later as project manager for Coventry Healthcare, Inc., a Bethesda-based national health insurance company that became part of the Aetna health insurance corporation.
Among her many involvements with nonprofit organizations, Crenshaw has served since 2007 as chair of the board of directors of the Rainbow Response Coalition, a D.C.-based coalition of local LGBTQ groups that provides training and education to address the issue of intimate partner violence in the LGBTQ community.
She served as chair of the board and board member of Whitman-Walker Health, the D.C. LGBTQ supportive healthcare provider from 2006 to 2016, and as a board member of the Whitman-Walker Foundation from 2017 to 2022.
From 2013 to 2020 she served on the board of directors of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ advocacy organization. And from 2007 to 2015, she served on the Advisory Board for the D.C. Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs.
“Although I’m no longer on board of the Human Rights Campaign, I’ve stayed very involved in a lot of the work that’s done there,” she said regarding her current endeavors. “I’m hoping to participate in the get-out-the-vote initiative and to make sure that Kamala Harris becomes our next president and threats against our community are minimized,” Crenshaw said. (Lou Chibbaro Jr.)
FOOD & DRINK
Best Coffee Shop: Tatte Bakery & Café
Multiple locations
After snagging the Editor’s Choice award two years running, Tatte now claims the Best Coffee Shop spot. Boston-based Tatte blanketed D.C. with its Mediterranean-inspired breakfasts, pastries, and coffees beginning in 2020. There are now more than a dozen around the DMV, serving seasonal brunches, craft drinks, and a welcome spot for people watching and catching up on emails.
Editor’s Choice: Three Fifty Bakery and Coffee Bar
Best Outdoor Dining: Le Diplomate
1601 14th St., N.W.
Snagging several Best Brunch awards and winning the Editor’s Choice for Best Outdoor Dining last year, “Le Dip” has myriad fans for all meals. Its American take on a Parisian Bistro has proven popular over the past decade, now a cornerstone of the 14th Street corridor. Beloved for its bread basket, meaty cheeseburger, mussels, and more, its outdoor sheds took over an entire half-block of 14th Street, now a permanent fixture from which to view passersby while sipping aperitifs.
Editor’s Choice: Hank’s Oyster Bar
Best Restaurant: Tabard Inn
1739 N St., N.W.
One of the oldest hotels in Washington, D.C., the Tabard Inn opened in 1922 in the style of an English manor and has been oozing charm ever since. While not gay-owned, it’s become a welcoming gathering space for LGBTQ locals and visitors, owing to its geography in Dupont Circle, eccentric nature, somewhat hidden locale, and diverse staff and clientele. The restaurant, started as a tea room, is full of art and warmth, and places a focus on Mid-Atlantic cuisine.
Editor’s Choice: Pineapple & Pearls
Best Brunch: Perry’s Drag Brunch
1811 Columbia Rd., N.W.
Celebrated for its long-running brunch (and winning the title in 2021), Perry’s Drag Brunch is raucous and fabulous. Hosted only on Sundays (two seatings), this event treats guests to eclectic food like eggs, yakisoba, tater tots, and tiramisu. Perry’s recently picked up a new chef, Masako Morishita, who won the 2024 James Beard Award for Best Emerging Chef. The restaurant also just debuted a Japanese breakfast.
Editor’s Choice: City Tap Dupont Drag Brunch
Best Local Brewery: Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M St., N.E.
Having taken home Best Brunch, Best Neighborhood Bar and Best Local Brewery awards in the past, this year, it’s back to win the Local Brewery award. This gay-owned venue in the District hosts drag shows, trivia, and stand-up performances, among other events. It pours beers with suggestive titles like “Hefe Don’t Preach,” “OktoBEARfest,” or “Tall, Dark and Nutty,” to name a few. Its festive drag brunch, running monthly, pulls out all the stops with its themes, like Broadway, Chromatica Ball, and goth. Desiree Dik serves as host.
Editor’s Choice: DC Brau
Best Local Distillery: Republic Restoratives Distillery
1369 New York Ave., N.E.
Winning this title in 2021 and 2019, Republic Restoratives is women-owned, community-led, and made in the District. Republic’s vodka, Civic Pride, was created out of frustration with popular brands co-opting the rainbow flag while also supporting organizations or efforts that directly harm LGBTQ people. It recently created and then quickly sold out bottles of “Madam” a bourbon-rye whiskey on whose label VPOTUS Kamala Harris’s smiling visage is featured.
Editor’s Choice: Cotton & Reed
Best Burger: Duke’s Grocery
Multiple locations
The 2021 and 2023 winner, Duke’s Grocery serves burgers with a British accent. With locations in Dupont Circle, Woodley Park, Navy Yard, and Foggy Bottom, this restaurant serves guests hearty portions of bar food. The burger has landed it on a whole bunch of lists, from Zagat to the Washington Post. Besides its famed Proper Burger, it also has a salmon, Impossible, and Wagyu burger. The Dupont location was closed for a year, undergoing a renovation, and recently reopened to royal fanfare.
Editor’s Choice: Lucky Buns
Best Ice Cream/Gelato: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Multiple locations
August or December, Jeni’s is known to cause pedestrian traffic backups on the busy 14th Street thoroughfare because of lines out the door. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has a “uniquely smooth texture and buttercream body” in fanciful flavors like birthday cake and fruit crumble. It scooped up the award last year and the year before, as well. There are locations in Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda, Navy Yard, Yards Park, and McLean.
Editor’s Choice: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Best Pizza: Andy’s Pizza
Multiple locations
Slicing and saucing in the New York tradition, Andy’s Pizza serves up pizza from stone ovens crafted from long-fermented dough, Wisconsin mozzarella, and California tomatoes. Andy’s boasts seven spots across the area, including one in Shaw near popular gay bars. Options include flavors like pepperoni and white sauce, but the whole pies come in a range of options, including a Buffalo crispy chicken and a vegan pie with plant-based cheese.
Editor’s Choice: We the Pizza
Best LGBTQ-Owned Business: KNEAD Hospitality
Multiple locations
Gay couple and business partners Michael Reginbogin and Jason Berry co-founded KNEAD Hospitality & Design in 2014. The restaurant group has birthed eateries like Mi Vida, Gatsby, Succotash, and several others. “We want people to eat with their eyes,” said Berry in a 2021 interview with the Blade.
Editor’s Choice: A Tour of Her Own
Best Local Winery: Chester Gap Cellars
4615 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630
Located in Virginia, a small estate winery located outside Front Royal, Chester Gap is gay-owned and welcomes LGBTQ visitors for valley vistas and vintages. The owners — Jeff Seese and Travis Patton — also have an AirBnb so you can stay the evening, enjoy the fully stocked kitchen and outdoor fire pit, and wine at all hours.
Editor’s Choice: District Winery
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Best Drag Queen: Destiny B. Childs
Destiny B. Childs came onto the local drag scene in 2003 performing at a variety show. In 2003, as manager of Freddie’s Beach Bar, she was drafted into drag duty as hostess and show director for Freddie’s Follies and soon after started performing at Ziegfeld’s.
She holds many pageant titles including Miss Zodiac 2005, Miss Freddie’s 2006-2007, Miss International Gay Rodeo 2007, Miss Gaye USA 2008, Miss Gaye America D.C. 2008, Miss Gaye Universe 2011 and Miss Ziegfields 2016.
She’s also been a longtime mainstay as hostess of the Capital Pride concert and has been in the Imperial Court since 2011, holding the title “first empress.”
Childs (Ric Benavides outside drag) says she “works hard to ensure all members of the Imperial Court feel welcomed, safe, and loved.”
Runner-up: Bombalicious Eklaver
Best Drag King: King Molasses
In a Vox explainer video, King Molasses described themselves as “the sweetest, stickiest drag king you’ll ever meet.” Molasses fuses different elements of traditional Nigerian fashion with a southern cowboy aesthetic to deliver electric performances that leave guests salivating for more. Follow him on Instagram for more.
Runner-up: King Flirty Xperience
Best Transgender Performer: Indiana Bones
Indiana Bones describes her drag persona as “very femme, very pop star-esque” and “an extension of my femininity.”
Known outside drag as Adriana Emilia, she says, “I love looking and feeling beautiful while lip syncing to the main pop girls.”
Bones, a trans woman, performs all over the D.C. area including Wednesdays at Kiki, weekends at either Nellie’s drag brunch or City Tap House Dupont. She’ll also be at a new venue HER Diner. She has been in the hospitality industry for about a decade but is “taking a break” from it now and performing full time.
“Thank you D.C. for loving me,” she says.
Follow her on @theonlyindiana on Instagram for show times and dates.
Runner-up: Brooke N Hymen
Best Drag Show: Freddie’s Follies
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 S. 23rd St.
Arlington, Va.
Freddie’s Beach Bar is the place to be for the gays who love happy hour. Along with amazing food and drinks, the restaurant also offers vibrant karaoke nights, piano nights, and thrilling games like beach blanket bingo. Anyone who’s been there can attest to Freddie’s being the place to be after work, blazer off, tie untied, heels exchanged for flats.
Freddie’s hosts various drag shows each month. The main event is Freddie’s Follies every Saturday night at 8 p.m. The current cast is Destiny B. Childs, Sasha Adams Sanchez, and Monet Dupree.
Editor’s Choice: SHOOK at Shaker’s
Best Local Artist presented by Wild Side Media: Keyonna Jones
Washington native Keyonna Jones is passionate about art, community advocacy, and entrepreneurship. With a background in journalism and a master’s degree in science management, she brings a distinct lens to her work.
As the founder of Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center, Jones has been instrumental in bringing new and necessary artistic experiences to the East of the River community in D.C. She also serves as board chair of The Creative School, showcasing her commitment to youth, education and creativity.
Jones, a lesbian, is also a skilled tattoo artist, published fashion stylist, talented photographer, graphic designer, and gardener.
Runner-up: Haus of Bambi
Best Live Music in D.C. presented by Wild Side Media: The Anthem
901 Wharf St., S.W.
Since opening its doors in October of 2017, The Anthem has earned its place among the DMV’s best music venues.
Located on the Wharf, the cavernous 57,000-square-foot venue, which cost $60 million to build and has a movable stage and backdrop that allows capacity to vary from 2,500 to 6,000, is not intimate. Far from it. It’s big with shows ranging from seated to general admission. Entrance lines can move swiftly or slowly. But once in, the space offers good acoustics and decent sightlines, and there are lots of clean bathrooms and multiple bars for drinks and food.
The Anthem adds a vibrancy to the Waterfront. It’s Metro accessible and has lots of nearby, but pricey, parking. Upcoming acts include Latto, Zayn, and the B-52s who are slated to perform on Halloween night.
Editor’s Choice: 9:30 Club
Best Theater presented by Wild Side Media: Kennedy Center
2700 F St., N.W.
For many DMV residents, the historic Kennedy Center serves as a portal to the performing arts. The Center presents diverse artists, including numerous LGBTQ voices, across all of its programming, whether it be theater, opera, dance, the symphony, comedy, hip hop, or jazz.
And the Social Impact division recently had SMYAL as one of its Culture Caucus members. And lately the Center has even been hosting drag brunches at its Roof Terrace Restaurant. The Kennedy Center made its public debut on Sept. 8, 1971, with a gala opening performance featuring the world premiere of a Requiem mass honoring President Kennedy, a work commissioned from the legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. Its vast interior spaces include the Eisenhower Theatre, Opera House, Concert Hall, and assorted smaller venues.
Its Broadway Center Stage series brings some incredible Broadway talent, including fabulous queer stars, which currently includes Beanie Feldstein, Noah Galvin, Kevin McHale, and Nina White in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
Editor’s Choice: Arena Stage
Best Live Music Outside of D.C.: Wolf Trap
1551 Trap Rd.
Vienna, Va.
Set on 117 acres of rolling hills and forest in Vienna, Va., Wolf Trap ranks high for outdoor entertainment.
Arvind Manocha, the out president and CEO of Northern Virginia’s Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts for more than a decade, understands his platform and what comes with it. For him that means promoting diversity and queer inclusion.
Over the past two years, Wolf Trap has presented “Out & About,” an annual two-day outdoor music festival spotlighting LGBTQ artists and vocal allies. With the new musical event, Manocha and his programming team are coalescing entertainment and visibility.
Featuring big queer names like Brandi Carlisle, Rufus Wainwright, and Be Steadwell, etc. Comfortably out for some time, Manocha regularly attends Wolf Trap performances and donor events with his husband Gideon Malone. And for some pre-Valentine’s Day fun, Titus Burgess, the queer comedian, singer, and actor who is best known for his role as Titus Andromedon on the Netflix series “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” is booked for Feb. 12.
Editor’s Choice: Merriweather Post Pavilion
Best Theater Production: ‘Macbeth,’ Shakespeare Theatre Company
610 F St., N.W.
If there was a hot ticket in D.C. last season, Shakespeare Theatre Company’s (STC) “Macbeth” was it.
Among the Bard’s shortest and most popular tragedies, “Macbeth” typically comes with a built-in audience. But in directing the classic, STC’s artistic director Simon Godwin didn’t take any chances. He packed the production with talented star power including stage and screen star Ralph Fiennes (“The English Patient”) as the eponymous Scottish general and Olivier Award-winner Indira Varma (“Game of Thrones”) who played the monumentally ruthless Lady Macbeth.
Prior to coming to Washington in April of 2024, the greatly anticipated production enjoyed successful runs in Liverpool, Edinburgh, and London. Here, STC took its contemporary and satisfying take on “Macbeth” to a former BET soundstage in Brentwood, transforming the massive empty space into a war-scorched set perfect for scenes both large and intimate.
Editor’s Choice: “Fat Ham,” Studio Theatre
Best LGBTQ Bar: Crush Dance Bar
2007 14th St., N.W.
Although Crush is one of the newest LGBTQ bars in the district, the weekly line around the block shows weekend after weekend that the 14th Street dance bar is the place to let loose, enjoy a cocktail, and live out your dancing queen fantasy. Its walls covered with nostalgic posters of pop divas and vinyl records of the latest playlist mainstays show that Crush is a sanctuary of dance.
The two floors boast three bars, a large rooftop patio, and a room that tributes dancing’s greatest invention since surround sound: disco balls. Its list of signature cocktails includes the Kamala Kolada, Miora Rosé, and ever-popular orange and grapefruit crushes.
Its owners Stephen Rutgers and Mark Rutstein, who formerly operated the Cobalt Dance Bar, have come together to “create a new entertainment space that bridges the gap of labels” in the nation’s capital.
Editor’s Choice: Little Gay Pub
Best Bartender: Ben Oursler, Annie’s
1609 17th St., N.W.
It makes sense that a restaurant like Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse with such an vaunted history in Washington’s LGBTQ scene would have the most voted for bartender, and this year’s honor goes to Ben Oursler.
Oursler has helped Annie’s stay the special LGBTQ institution D.C. queers have loved for decades by slinging drinks and smiles to everyone who comes in. His infectious attitude and spirit help make Annie’s a place of year-round celebration.
Runner-up: Jared Keith Lee, Crush
Best Local DJ: DJ Matt Bailer
If you have visited any gay bars over the past few years, there’s zero chance you haven’t seen, heard, and danced to the musical stylings of DJ Matt Bailer on the dance floor. Bailer effortlessly mixes the trendiest artists, like Chappell Roan, with classic hits like “YMCA” to create a sound that is uniquely Bailer.
It is hard to stand on the sidelines of the dance floor as his funky beats interlock with tried-and-true staples that get not only the dance floor jumping but the whole bar. His non-stop schedule is a testament to not only his dedication to the craft, but also to the D.C. LGBTQ community’s desire to dance to his mixes. You can find DJ Matt Bailer at a range of spaces including the 2024 voted best LGBTQ bar Crush, Kiki, Pitchers, and the wildly popular ‘90s dance party Peach Pit at DC9.
Runner-up: DJ Heat
Best Neighborhood Bar: Number Nine
1435 P St., N.W.
With two floors of comfy seating, handsome bartenders who remember your order, and polished vibe, it makes sense that Number Nine was voted best neighborhood bar. The bar being a hot spot for Stonewall sports events, their collection of non-stop iconic music videos, and daily two-for-one drink deals keep the crowds coming. Don’t forget to grab a mint Lifesaver (and copy of the Blade) from the giant bowl out front before you sit down, sip, and relax with your friends for the night.
Editor’s Choice: Larry’s Lounge
Best Happy Hour presented by ABSOLUT: Crush Dance Bar
2007 14th St., N.W.
Newcomer Crush made the Blade’s Best Of list twice this year. The bar’s fun nostalgic dance theme gets people in the door, but the happy hour is what keeps them there. Each weekday from 5-8 p.m. Crush offers $7 premium drinks, $9 craft cocktails (including their namesake Orange Crush), and half-priced draft beers.
Editor’s Choice: JR.’s Bar & Grill
Best Outdoor Drinking: Little Gay Pub
1100 P St., N.W.
D.C. may not be known for our year-round perfect weather, but the queer community in the city has always fancied outdoor spaces that offer comfortably cute places to sip and share with friends. Logan Circle’s Little Gay Pub was voted this year’s best outdoor drinking spot as it has an enclosed awning, picnic tables with rainbow parasols, and iconic red telephone box mural that makes the bar impossible to miss.
Editor’s Choice: Kiki
Best LGBTQ-Friendly Bar: Dacha Beer Garden
1600 7th St., N.W. and 79 Potomac Ave., S.E.
Although not owned by a member of the LGBTQ community nor officially a gay bar, you will consistently see groups of D.C.’s LGBTQ community hanging out at Dacha Beer Garden drinking boots of beer and enjoying a selection off the beer garden’s extensive menu. With its giant murals of gay icons Elizabeth Taylor at the Shaw location and Jackie Onassis in the Navy Yard spot, it’s easy to see why gay, straight, and everyone in between can find something they like at Dacha.
Editor’s Choice: Stoney’s
Best LGBTQ Bar Outside the District: Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd St. S
Arlington, Va.
It is difficult to talk about the LGBTQ bar scene in the DMV without mentioning Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington. Freddie’s has been a staple LGBTQ bar in the area since it opened more than 20 years ago. Serving classic cocktails and a full menu, its famous Sunday Buffet Brunch, and daily events including drag shows, bingo, and karaoke, it makes sense that Washington Blade readers voted Freddie’s the best “LGBTQ+ but straight friendly restaurant and bar” outside of the District.
Editor’s Choice: Baltimore Eagle
Best Museum: National Gallery of Art
6th St. and Constitution Ave., N.W.
The National Gallery of Art earned the title of Best Museum this year, taking the title from the National Air & Space Museum. Home to more than 150,000 paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, photographs, prints, and drawings, the gallery showcases masterpieces by artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Rembrandt, as well as the only Leonardo da Vinci painting outside of Europe, alongside contemporary art. Moreover, the gallery features an impressive collection of works by queer artists, including Ellsworth Kelly, Zanele Muholi, and Andy Warhol, which you can explore with a 45-minute self-guided tour. The gallery’s stunning architecture –– with one building in neoclassical and the other in modern style –– is worth the visit alone. Admission is free, and unlike the Air & Space Museum, advance ticket reservations are not required.
Editor’s Choice: National Museum of African American History & Culture
COMMUNITY
Best Local TV/Radio Personality: Kidd O’Shea
At 16 years old, Good Morning Washington (GMW) co-host Kidd O’Shea would make fake radio shows in his bedroom he would later play for his friend on a cassette tape during their drive to school.
Now, he’s the winner of the Washington Blade’s Best of LGBTQ DC Local Radio/TV Personality award.
“I am so lucky to be able to do what I get to do, and to be able to do it in this city,” O’Shea said.
O’Shea has been a co-host and travel correspondent for GMW on ABC7 for nearly 10 years. His bright energy and passion for visiting new places have made him a television and radio staple for the D.C. community.
Britt Waters, a GMW co-host and the recipient of this award last year, has known O’Shea for 10 years and has worked with him for three.
She said the recognition was long overdue given how much the community adores O’Shea.
“I may have won last year, but I think my mom voted for Kidd last year,” Waters said. “That just shows you how lovable he is.”
Before O’Shea came to D.C., he worked in radio in his hometown of Milwaukee.
He initially dreamed of being on broadcast news as a teenager, and would record segments with his friends who owned camcorders. After meeting a neighbor who was a local TV news anchor, O’Shea was advised to get his start in radio –– and that’s exactly what he did.
“I literally picked up a phone book and looked up small radio stations, and there was one about 45 minutes from my parents’ house,” he said. “It was a polka country music station that played gospel music Sunday morning at 7 a.m.”
He worked a 1-7 a.m. shift at that station for three months, but ultimately decided he was “ready for the big city.” O’Shea called a Milwaukee radio station and got his start pushing buttons and answering phones but eventually worked his way up.
O’Shea said he’s grateful to be pursuing a career where sharing your personal life is encouraged. He joked that he talks about his partner of five years “every other sentence” to his GMW co-hosts, but said he’s excited to work in a space where he can be open.
“Coming up through radio, that’s really how you make that connection is being honest and open,” he said. “If I met you at a bar on a Friday night, I would tell you the same story that I tell you the next morning on the radio or TV.”
O’Shea has been a visible presence for the LGBTQ community since he first opened up about his identity on air on a Milwaukee radio show he co-hosted called the Kidd and Elizabeth Show.
After former President Barack Obama endorsed gay marriage in 2012, O’Shea casually offered his thoughts on the endorsement “as a gay man” with his co-host Elizabeth Kay.
“Listeners were like, ‘I think Kidd just said he’s gay,’” he said. “That was a really important moment in my career, because while I wasn’t hiding it, I was still not revealing completely who I was. And once I did, people understood my relationship better with my co-host.”
Shortly after that segment, a 17-year-old boy called into the show to get advice about coming out to his parents.
The next day, the boy called back to tell them he did it and everything went great.
“[It’s worth it] if just one person feels more comfortable by waking up and seeing me on television and being like, ‘Oh, I’m not alone, I’m not different,’” O’Shea said. “I think that visibility is just so important.”
Waters said O’Shea and the GMW team’s appeal to the community that people see on screen is what they see in real life.
Waters said she was nervous to meet O’Shea for the first time 10 years ago, as she assumed he would be a “buttoned-up entertainment reporter.” But when she got to know him, she realized he was authentic and attracted to the simple things in life.
“You give him vodka soda, the same meal every week at Annie’s and a good conversation,” Waters said. “It’s crazy, because he travels the world and gets to do all of these different excursions and experiences for the show. But I think he values being with us most and in our community in D.C., having a good time.”
It’s the vibrant and supportive D.C. community that O’Shea said keeps him grounded in the area.
“After moving here and finding great friends, a great community, a great job and supportive coworkers –– I’m going to keep riding this one as long as I possibly can,” O’Shea said. (Clinton Engelberger)
Runner-Up: Chuck Bell, NBC4
Best LGBTQ Event: Capital Pride
2000 14th St., N.W.
What’s D.C. without Capital Pride — the crown jewel of all Pride events in the nation’s capital? Not only does this yearly event attract tens of thousands of attendees from all over the world, it is a celebration of the color and vibrancy the D.C. LGBTQ scene has to offer. And 2025 promises to be the biggest year yet for Capital Pride as the city prepares to host World Pride, which is expected to bring 2 million visitors to D.C. in May and June.
Editor’s Choice: Pride Run 5K
Best Pride Outside of D.C: Baltimore Pride
One of the buzziest events of the summer, Baltimore Pride is a showcase for the beauty of Baltimore’s LGBTQ scene. It features a parade and festival with plenty of diverse vendors and a less corporate vibe than many other urban Pride celebrations.
Editor’s Choice: Annapolis Pride
Best Clergy: Bishop. Thomas Wieczorek
Thomas Wieczorek’s popularity as a longstanding clergy member and priest with the D.C.-based affiliate parish of St. Mary’s National Catholic Church of North America prompted his fellow priests and bishops in 2022 to elect him as an auxiliary bishop.
Rather than a breakaway version of the Roman Catholic Church, Wieczorek describes the National Catholic Church of North America as an independent Catholic Church that ordains married, LGBTQ clergy and “welcomes and affirms ALL to the table.” He holds a weekly virtual church service via Facebook Live to meet the needs of what he calls an active community that offers sacraments including baptism, Eucharist, confirmation, and marriage.
He also notes that his wide-ranging “chapters in life” include being a newspaper reporter, police officer, fire chief, public safety director, and city manager. As if that were not enough, he is an owner and partner in a consulting firm that assists local governments with public safety issues throughout the U.S. and Canada and is the father of two and grandfather of seven.
Runner-up: Rev. Ashley Goff
Best House of Worship: Sixth & I
600 I St., N.W.
This historic synagogue is a non-denominational, non-membership, non-traditional Jewish congregation. It is one of the oldest synagogues in the city and is well-known for hosting many lectures, concerts, and art exhibitions for the general public.
Editor’s Choice: Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C.
Most Committed Activist: Rayceen Pendarvis
Rayceen Pendarvis has once again been selected as Most Committed Activist in the role of longtime event moderator, emcee, entertainer, and LGBTQ rights advocate. Pendarvis became a well-known and admired figure in the local LGBTQ community as host of the “Ask Rayceen Show,” a live monthly variety program that had a 10-year run from 2012 to 2021.
Pendarvis has also served as an elected D.C. Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, and has hosted multiple fundraisers, Pride celebrations, arts festivals, talent shows, fashion shows, and other events. In June of 2021, the D.C. Council unanimously approved a resolution recognizing Pendarvis’s accomplishments that it said made D.C. a better city. And that same year, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a mayoral proclamation recognizing the contributions of Pendarvis and the “Ask Rayceen Show.”
Since 2014, with the help of associate Zar, Pendarvis has been the lead public figure in the organization Team Rayceen Productions, which organizes a wide range of LGBTQ community events, many of which are broadcast live on its YouTube channel.
Runner-up: Ashley Smith
Best D.C. Public Official: Christina Henderson
D.C. Council member Christina Henderson (I-At Large) has been an outspoken longtime supporter of the LGBTQ community since first winning election to the Council in 2020 as well as in her prior work as a D.C. government official and as Deputy Chief of Staff for former D.C. Council member David Grosso, who was also an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ rights.
In her role as chair of the Council’s Committee on Health and as a member of the Committee on The Judiciary and Public Safety, Henderson has backed legislation and policies supportive of LGBTQ issues. She received a +10-candidate rating, the highest possible rating, from the Gay & Lesbian Activists Alliance in her 2020 election campaign, and a +8.5 GLAA rating in her re-election race this year, a rating that GLAA has described as very good.
As she has in past years, Henderson marched in this year’s Capital Pride Parade and participated in a Capital Pride “Kick Off” ceremony.
Runner-up: Japer Bowles
Best Daytrip: Annapolis
Next time you need a quick getaway, check out the endless activities in Maryland’s charming capital city on the Chesapeake.
Check out the famous historical landmarks like the Maryland State House and St. Anne’s Church. Explore the plethora of antique shops like Blue Crab Antiques and West Annapolis Antiques.
And you can’t visit without indulging in seafood dining spots like Cantler’s and O’Learys Seafood. There are also several gardens and parks, like Broadneck Park (613 College Pkwy.) or the Chase Home Garden (22 Maryland Ave.) where you can unplug and enjoy a stroll.
Editor’s Choice: Harpers Ferry
Best Local Professional Sports Team: Washington Spirit
D.C. is a sports city, home to many teams that play hard to earn their touchdowns, homeruns, and goals. This year Blade readers voted the Washington Spirit, our premier professional women’s soccer team, as the best local professional sports team. The incredible team is currently ranked second in the NWSL and has consistently supported local LGBTQ groups, like SMYAL. The Spirit understands the importance of playing hard and LGBTQ representation in sports.
Editor’s Choice: DC United
Best Amateur Sports League: Stonewall Bocce
Logan Circle., N.W.
A first-time winner in this category, Stonewall Bocce has grown from 80 members in its 2011 debut season to more than 780 players today. The league combines friendly competition with a strong commitment to the local community: As part of the nonprofit Stonewall Sports, Inc., the league’s mission is to donate 80 percent of its profits to local organizations that support those in need. Each of the 58 teams –– sporting witty names such as My Bocce My Choice, Son of a Bocce, and Ball Me Maybe –– gets to pick its own charity to support. Games are held every Thursday at 6:45 p.m. at Logan Circle and happy hour socials are regularly hosted at local spots.
Editor’s Choice: DC Gay Flag Football
Best LGBTQ Social Group: Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington
1517 18th St., N.W.
More than 250 voices strong, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington delivers electrifying performances that blend song, dance, and storytelling. Featuring three vocal ensembles, a youth chorus, and a dance troupe, the group has become a staple of the music scene in D.C. and beyond. As part of the “Equality Tour,” the chorus has spread the message of “equality, dignity, and justice” in cities across the country. In 2025, the GMCW will host a two-week International Choral Festival for World Pride, in which choruses from across the U.S. will join GMCW for “pop-up” concerts at various venues near the National Mall. Don’t miss their upcoming fall cabaret at the Keegan Theater on Oct. 19, or catch the always popular Holiday Show returning on Dec. 7.
Editor’s Choice: DC Gay Girls Plus
Best Non-Profit: SMYAL
SMYAL remains a cornerstone for LGBTQ youth in the D.C. area. Through its after-school programs, counseling services, and development opportunities, SMYAL provides queer and trans youth with safe spaces to express themselves, find support, and build community. In addition, the organization awards $35,000 in scholarships to students each year and also provides vital education and training for adults working with LGBTQ youth in schools, housing programs, local government agencies, and hospitals. SMYAL has pioneered innovative initiatives, including its Youth Housing Program, which is the largest LGBTQ youth housing provider in the DMV. This program offers more than 55 residents LGBTQ-affirming care and personalized services designed to help them achieve sustainable independence. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, SMYAL continues to empower LGBTQ youth, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to thrive.
Editor’s Choice: Capital Pride Alliance
Best LGBTQ Community Center Outside of D.C.: CAMP Rehoboth
37 Baltimore Ave.
Rehoboth Beach, Del.
CAMP Rehoboth is an invaluable LGBTQ+ community center serving southern Delaware and beyond that is committed to fostering inclusivity for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Founded in the 1990s as a response to backlash against growing queer visibility in Rehoboth Beach, the organization has since become an essential force in building a safer, more accepting community. Describing itself as “an oasis and a voice for members of the LGBTQ+ community,” CAMP Rehoboth continues to look ahead with its strategic plan, “Pride in Progress,” which focuses on expanding its programs and services beyond Rehoboth Beach to maximize its impact. The center has also published Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, a free monthly newsletter chronicling LGBTQ+ life in the area, since its founding.
Editor’s Choice: Pride Center of Maryland
Best Local Website/Social Media Account: Washingtonian Problems
From challenges on the Metro to crime in the DMV, local elections, and cool things to do when you’re entertaining out-of-town guests, Washingtonian Problems spotlights the best — and, often, the worst — that our Nation’s Capital has to offer.
Editor’s Choice: Queer Talk DC
BUSINESS
Best Local Businessperson: Freddie Lutz, Freddie’s Beach Bar
Freddie Lutz, the owner of Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant in the Crystal City section of Arlington, Va., since 2001, has been recognized as a leading figure in support of the LGBTQ community and community business development in the section of Arlington where Freddie’s is located known as National Landing.
In 2018, Lutz opened his second business in Crystal City, Federico’s Ristorante Italiano, which is located on the same block on 23rd Street as Freddie’s Beach Bar and in the same building in which the iconic Café Italia was located and where Lutz began his career in the restaurant business in the 1970s as the Maitre’d. In October of 2021, Lutz opened a Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Lutz has referred to Freddie’s in Arlington and Rehoboth as “straight friendly” gay bars, where he has said everyone supportive of the LGBTQ community, especially those considered allies, are welcome. The entertainment offered at Freddie’s, including karaoke, drag bingo, and highly popular drag shows, have drawn large crowds. Also drawing crowds have been the LGBTQ community events such as fundraisers that Freddie’s has hosted.
Among the many honors and awards received by Lutz and Freddie’s Beach Bar was the 2017 Arlington County Human Rights Commission’s Human Rights Award honoring Freddie’s for its “outstanding accomplishments” in advancing human rights.
“I’m extremely proud of what I’ve done at Freddie’s, with all the diversity and the accolades,” Lutz told the Blade. “But I’ve always felt like I left my heart at Cafe Italia and now Federico’s.”
Runner-up: Russwin Francisco, Bite the Fruit
Best Medical Provider: Whitman-Walker Health
Multiple locations
Whitman-Walker Health has been serving D.C. since 1973.
Named after Walt Whitman, who once lived in Washington, and Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a physician who worked in D.C. during the Civil War before she became a women’s rights activist, Whitman-Walker was one of the first organizations to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the city.
Whitman-Walker’s mission has expanded to include legal services and general medical and dental care for LGBTQ Washingtonians and the city’s residents as a whole.
Editor’s Choice: AIDS Healthcare Foundation
The Blade also acknowledges AIDS Healthcare Foundation for its continued work in D.C. and around the world.
Best Lawyer: A.J. Singletary
A.J. Singletary works on clean air and climate law, policy and transactions as a lawyer with Van Ness Feldman.
He represents renewable energy developers, power plant operators, vehicle and engine manufacturers, policy institutes and related clients on matters including strategic direction related to environmental law and policy, air quality permits under the Clean Air Act, regulation of vehicle emissions, new and existing climate change laws and regulations and offshore wind development.
Singletary, who’s gay, is also a mental health advocate and shares his experiences being bipolar and sober to reduce stigma around mental health.
Runner-up: Amy Nelson
Best Dentist: Dr. Gregory Martin, DDS
5454 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.
Dr. Gregory Martin and his team are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, heard and valued. They deliver dental care comprehensively, scientifically, and cosmetically to focus on the mouth/body connection at every step.
Dr. Martin’s comprehensive approach offers a full complement of modern, digital and precise dentistry adjacent to a complete suite of pioneering state-of-the-art medical grade aesthetics ensuring that oral health and confidence always goes far beyond the smile. He’s openly gay.
Dr. Martin’s office offers free tattoo removal for all patients, one of many extras available. Dr. Martin is a native to the D.C. area and a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry.
Runner-up: Dr. Rob McKernan, Big Gay Smiles & Whitman-Walker Health
Best Private School: Barrie School
13500 Layhill Rd.
Silver Spring, Md.
Barrie School bills itself as a “progressive independent school that inspires excellence, intrinsic motivation and responsibility through innovation in learning.”
With students starting at 3 months of age through grade 12, the Silver Spring, Md.-based school features a 45-acre campus that boasts an “extraordinary learning environment integrating local, national and global educational opportunities.”
Editor’s Choice: Burgundy Farm Country Day School
Best Real Estate Agent: Stacey Williams-Zeiger, Zeiger Realty
10300 Sweetbriar Pkwy
Silver Spring, Md.
Zeiger Realty real estate offers brokerage services in Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. This award-winning company doesn’t only buy and sell houses, it’s committed to building a welcoming community.
Runner-up: Taylor Carney, Compass
Best Real Estate Group: Bediz Group, Keller Williams
1918 18th St., N.W.
Bediz Group is a team of nine real estate agents with Keller Williams, one of the largest realty firms in the DMV. This firm is no stranger to five-star reviews and awards for its exceptional work. It offers a comprehensive suite of real estate services and is here to assist sellers, buyers, investors, tenants, and landlords.
Runner-up: Jenn Smira Team, Compass
Best Med Spa: ProMD Health
1003 K St., N.W.
This spot provides anti-aging treatments, Botox and hormone therapy for patients in the D.C. area. This place is a state-of-the-art medical facility specializing in non-surgical aesthetic treatments and procedures to help patients look younger and feel younger. Whether your goals are prevention, treating a skin concern, looking like you did 10 years ago, or feeling like you did 10 years ago, ProMD Health has something for everyone.
Editor’s Choice: Honey Skincare Studio
Best Hotel: Conrad
950 New York Ave., N.W.
A self-described “unexpected urban oasis,” this hotel is where you go to experience modern luxury in D.C. With an art-forward approach to contemporary luxury, Conrad invites guests to experience D.C. through the lens of a local resident of the District and enjoy the culture and color that makes our nation’s capital one of the most incredible cities in the world.
Editor’s Choice: Eaton DC
Best Tattoo Parlor: Tattoo Paradise
2444 18th St., N.W.
This popular tattoo spot has been serving the D.C. area since 2003. The artists here pride themselves on providing exceptional tattooing and body piercing services. The team consists of skilled in-house tattoo artists combined with a roster of talented guest tattooers from all over.
Editor’s Choice: Fatty’s Tattoos
Best Adult Store: Bite the Fruit
1723 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
The age of pleasure never ends and where else to grab the best tools than here? Bite the Fruit is a peerless adult boutique shop of provocative apparel and sexual furnishings. As the store itself says, “Play like nobody’s watching!”
Editor’s Choice: What’s Your Pleasure D.C.
Best Car Dealership: BMW of Fairfax
8427 Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA
Looking for a sleek, classy car that’ll get you all the compliments? BMW of Fairfax has got you covered. Not only do the car dealers here provide great customer service and help you find the car of your dreams, they have access to Sonic’s nationwide inventory of new and pre-owned BMWs so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
Editor’s Choice: DARCARS
Best Fitness or Workout Spot: VIDA Fitness
Multiple locations
With amenities like private personal training sessions, classes taught by nationally accredited coaches, state-of-the-art equipment, and the exclusive Penthouse Pool, Vida Fitness is understandably one of the DMV’s most known gyms. Vida Fitness is more than just a gym; it’s a community hub for LGBTQ individuals looking to stay active. Its inclusive environment and regular LGBTQ-friendly events make it a standout spot for fitness and social connections alike.
Editor’s Choice: [solidcore]
Most LGBTQ-Friendly Workplace: Whitman-Walker Health
1525 14th St., N.W.
Whitman-Walker Health, the 2023 winner of the “Medical Provider” category, is not only dedicated to patient care but also to the well-being of its employees. Located at Logan Circle, the organization is a pillar in D.C.’s LGBTQ community, known for offering stigma-free healthcare and legal services. As one of the first organizations to respond to the HIV/AIDS crisis in the city, Whitman-Walker continues to lead through the Whitman-Walker Institute, which emphasizes education and advocacy, while housing a research center pursuing breakthroughs in HIV treatment and prevention. Employees receive a generous benefit package that includes tuition reimbursement, continuing education funds, and domestic partnership benefits.
Editor’s Choice: Stratus Firm
Best Home Furnishings: Miss Pixie’s
1830 Columbia Rd., N.W.
Whether you’ve just moved to D.C. and need to furnish your apartment or you’re searching for that perfect addition to your “whatnots,” Miss Pixie’s is the go-to spot. The home furnishing store is packed with chairs, tables, couches, bookshelves, paintings, vases, photos, magazines, offering anything “Victorian to yesterday with a bit of midcentury and shabby chic thrown in” that might fancy up your living quarters. This year, Miss Pixie’s relocated from 14th Street back to Adams Morgan, a return to the neighborhood where it first opened shop in the late 1990s. Miss Pixie’s keeps its 34,000 followers on its Instagram page happy with a steady feed of unique finds –– whether it’s a framed map of Rehoboth Beach or a charming table-and-chair set for your balcony. Items are affordably priced and new treasures arrive every Thursday and Friday.
Editor’s Choice: GoodWood
Best Pet Business or Veterinarian: City Dogs
1832 18th St., N.W.
Whether your furry friend needs a quick haircut, a fun day at daycare, or an overnight stay while you’re away, City Dogs has it all covered. Locally owned and operated, City Dogs offers a loving, cage-free environment with experienced staff. Their services include grooming, daycare, and boarding, with convenient drop-off and pick-up options. Daycare is especially helpful for new puppies and recently adopted rescue dogs, with City Dogs providing attention and socialization while you’re at work. Dogs are grouped by size and play style, with smaller, gentle pups and seniors in one room, and larger, more energetic dogs in another, ensuring a safe and playful experience for every pet.
Editor’s Choice: District Dogs
Best Alternative Transportation: Metro
Thanks to its exceptional Metro system, D.C. is one of the few cities in the U.S. where you are able to live comfortably without a car. The Metro is fast and reliable –– you usually don’t wait longer than 10 minutes for the next train –– and it’s incredibly user-friendly. Stations are not only clean but also feature the iconic concrete arch, with warm, calming lighting enhancing your commuting experience. It’s easy to travel across the greater D.C. area: You can get from Nationals Park to U Street, or from Arlington to Dupont Circle, in under 20 minutes. And for areas not directly served by the MetroRail, the extensive MetroBus network provides excellent connectivity. This combination gives D.C. one of the best public transportation systems in the country.
Editor’s Choice: Capital Bikeshare
Best Salon/Spa: Logan 14
1314 14th St., N.W.
After eight consecutive wins in this category, Logan 14 was voted Most LGBTQ-Friendly Workplace in 2023, but it reclaimed the Best Salon/Spa title this year. Logan 14 offers a wide range of beauty and wellness services, describing itself as “a sanctuary in the middle of busy Washington, D.C.” About 75 percent of its clientele identifies as LGBTQ, and it is staffed by passionate beauty professionals skilled in haircuts, coloring, bridal services, rejuvenating massages and skincare treatments. The medspa features other options such as Botox, fillers, and laser hair removal. Logan 14 exclusively uses Aveda products, due to its environmentally conscious manufacturing. With a focus on inclusivity and exceptional service, Logan 14 continues to be a beloved destination for beauty and wellness in the heart of the city.
Editor’s Choice: Salon Quency
REHOBOTH BEACH
Best Rehoboth-Area Bartender: Doug Moore, Starboard
2009 DE-1
Dewey Beach, Del.
Anyone who’s been to the Starboard in Dewey Beach knows Doug Moore, the ever-smiling, energetic bartender and first-time winner in this category.
Moore, who’s gay, has worked at the ‘board for 17 years, starting in 2007 in the gift shop, then moving to serving, then to bartending. He helped to open the Shark Tank, the Starboard’s year-round bar located at the front of the sprawling complex, in 2008 and says that since then, “crushes have taken over.”
He has seen a lot of change in 17 years as the area has become “a lot more year round down here, which we love. People are moving here and retiring here so it’s amazing. More people are discovering what a great destination the Delaware shore is.”
The other big change Moore has seen came in his personal life. He’s now nearly five years sober and serves on the board of Attack Addiction, a non-profit that works to de-stigmatize substance abuse.
Moore, who recently turned 40, is single, lives in Rehoboth, and enjoys beach volleyball. He grew up in Bear, Del., and graduated from the University of Delaware. He says he enjoys seeing Rehoboth gay guys migrating to Dewey Beach; he works five days a week, so stop by and say hello.
“We are come one come all at the Starboard,” he enthuses. “You’ll see everyone from six-month-old babies to a group of gay guys for Sunday brunch to bikers next to nuns next to senior week partiers. We put on a good time and everyone is there to have fun.”
Runner-Up: Zack West, Nalu
Best Rehoboth Drag Queen: Magnolia Applebottom
Magnolia has quickly become an iconic figure on the Rehoboth nightlife scene, winning this category multiple times, including last year. She is a tireless performer, taking the stage at venues across Rehoboth Beach and even across Delaware. At Diego’s she presides over the popular Splash party, which took this year’s award for Best Rehoboth Drag Show. In addition to her inventive costumes and witty banter, Magnolia sings live, which has endeared her to audiences all year long. In addition to her regular duties at Diego’s and Blue Moon, she’s headlined Salisbury Pride for three years and co-headlined a terrific show with pianist Nate Buccieri in Milton, Del., this summer.
Runner-up: Roxy Overbrooke
Best Rehoboth Drag Show: Splash Party with Magnolia Applebottom at Diego’s
37298 Rehoboth Ave.
Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Magnolia extends her winning streak to this category, edging out the competition, which is stiff in Rehoboth. Whether she’s celebrating Pride or covering Whitney Houston and getting the customers dancing, Mags gives it her all and Rehoboth readers have responded with two resounding wins this year.
Editor’s Choice: Drag Brunch at the Pines
Best Rehoboth-Area Live Show: Pamala Stanley at Diego’s
37298 Rehoboth Ave.
Rehoboth Beach, Del.
What can we say about Pamala Stanley that we haven’t said before? The Blade crowned her “Queen of Rehoboth” years ago for a reason. She’s played multiple venues in town over the years but her latest residency at Diego’s feels like a return to the good old days of the Blue Moon, with its indoor-outdoor stage, room for dancing, shirtless shot boys, and over-the-top party vibe. She packed Diego’s all summer with her longstanding Sunday night dance party and added a Broadway piano show on Monday nights, both of which will continue through the holidays. Pamala is true talent, wowing crowds with her voice and somehow managing to remember the lyrics to everything from Janet Jackson to Johnny Mathis. We simply can’t imagine the town without her.
Editor’s Choice: Games with Magnolia at Blue Moon
Best Rehoboth Outdoor Dining: Purple Parrot
134 Rehoboth Ave.
Rehoboth Beach, Del.
The gay-owned Purple Parrot celebrated its 25th anniversary this year and it remains a local institution. The bar and restaurant, which serve American cuisine with a beach flair, have always focused on being a welcoming space for all. Co-owner Hugh Fuller told the Blade earlier this year that this is one of the reasons why the restaurant has had such a lasting impact.
“Back in the ‘90s when we first opened up, the amount of straight crossdressers that would come were like, ‘Oh, are we allowed to come in? Are we welcomed into a place like that?’ And we were like ‘Everybody that walks on this planet is welcome here!’” Fuller said. “Those are the kinds of things, you know, where people just felt comfortable. They would get stared at out on the street, but inside they would walk around and feel like they were in their own skin. It was just really cool to see.”
The menu includes crab cakes, burgers, quesadillas, and more, along with special prime rib and German cuisine nights. The vibe is decidedly beachy in the Biergarten with sand, an outdoor bar with a roof covered in flowers, and umbrellas.
Editor’s Choice: Aqua
Best Rehoboth Coffee Shop: Crystal Restaurant
37300 Rehoboth Ave., Ext. 1
Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Crystal is a new winner in this category, beloved for its diner vibe and affordable, delicious breakfasts, the perfect hangover cure after a long night next door at Diego’s. You can certainly pay more for a satisfying plate of eggs, bacon, and hash browns, but why would you? Locals and tourists alike have been flocking here for years for the food, service, and coffee and the Blade’s readers have finally taken notice.
Editor’s Choice: Rise Up
Best Rehoboth Restaurant: Blue Moon
35 Baltimore Ave.
Rehoboth Beach, Del.
This category has grown more competitive in recent years with the arrival of The Pines, Drift, and Bodhi Kitchen, all within a stone’s throw of the iconic Moon. The proprietors of Second Block Hospitality Group, which owns those three popular spots, even won Restaurateurs of the Year from the Delaware Restaurant Association earlier this month. But the Blue Moon is standing strong and is beloved by Blade readers for its longevity, year-round entertainment, and, of course, its food. The popular Tasting Tuesday returned last month and runs through the off-season, offering discounted three-course dinners with wine pairings. Sunday brunch remains among the best in town. A visit to Rehoboth simply isn’t complete without a stop at the Moon.
Editor’s Choice: Henlopen City Oyster House
Best Rehoboth Real Estate Agent: Lee Ann Wilkinson
16698 Kings Highway A
Lewes, Del.
This category was closer than in recent years, but Lee Ann Wilkinson stays on top for an unprecedented seventh consecutive year. Maybe we should name this award after her?
Wilkinson, of Berkshire Hathaway, earlier this year celebrated a major industry award after being named No. 1 in total sales volume for the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Network. She’s an LGBTQ ally and the Blade profiled her in May. She told us then, “I grew up coming down for the summer until my family moved here full-time from Norristown, outside of Philly. We had businesses and family in Rehoboth. I think Rehoboth has always been gay-friendly. We never thought about it. My grandfather had a house in Rehoboth before I was born. The gay population was always welcome.”
Three of Wilkinson’s four daughters work for her and she told the Blade she has no plans to retire anytime soon. So we could see the family in this category again.
Runner-up: Andy Staton
Best Rehoboth Business: Diego’s
37298 Rehoboth Ave.
Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Diego’s pivoted during COVID and added an expansive outdoor bar area that has proven exceedingly popular with LGBTQ crowds. Owners Darryl and Joe Ciarlante-Zuber opened in 2018 and have done an exceptional job of programming the non-stop entertainment, including drag shows, world-renowned DJs, and the aforementioned Pamala Stanley. The bartenders are always welcoming and efficient, keeping the large crowds satisfied. Diego’s has become the go-to place for late-night dancing and remains popular at happy hour and, of course, on Sundays.
Editor’s Choice: Aqua Bar & Grill
a&e features
Looking back at the 10 biggest A&E stories of 2025
‘Wicked,’ Lady Gaga’s new era, ‘Sexy’ Bailey and more
Although 2025 was a year marked by countless attacks on trans rights and political setbacks, the year also saw brilliant queer artists continuing to create art. From Cannes and Sundance Award winners now vying for Oscar consideration to pop icons entering new stages of their careers, queer people persevered to tell their stories through different media.
With the state of the world so uncertain, perhaps there’s no more vital time to celebrate our wins, as seen through some of this year’s top pop culture moments. While there’s no collection of 10 stories that fully encompass “the most important” news, here are some events that got the gays going:
10. ‘Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo’ wins big at Cannes
The Cannes Film Festival has become a crucial start for films hoping to make their way to the Oscars, and first-time director Diego Céspedes won the top Un Certain Regard prize for his intimate western “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo.” The film is set in the ‘80s and is intended as an allegory for the AIDS epidemic. Seeing a film that unpacks vital queer history win one of the most coveted awards at Cannes has been a huge point of pride in the independent filmmaking community.
Since the film bowed at Cannes, it has been selected as Chile’s Oscar entry in the Best International Feature race. Speaking with The Blade during the film’s AFI Fest run in October, Céspedes said: At first, I was kind of scared to have this campaign position in the times that we’re living [in] here. But at the same time, I think the Oscars mean a huge platform — a huge platform for art and politics.”
9. ‘The Last of Us’ returns for an even gayer season 2
While the first season of The Last of Us gave us one of TV’s most heartbreaking queer love stories in the episode “Long, Long Time,” Season 2 doubled down on its commitment to queer storytelling with the blossoming relationship between Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced). The show expanded on the pair’s relationship in the original video game, making it perhaps the central dynamic to the entire season. That unfortunately came with more homophobic backlash on the internet, but those who checked out all the episodes saw a tender relationship form amid the show’s post-apocalyptic, often violent backdrop. For their performance, Ramsey was once again nominated for an Emmy, but Merced deserved just as much awards attention.
8. ‘Emilia Pérez’ sparks controversy
Jacques Audiard’s genre-bending trans musical “Emilia Pérez” proved to be an awards season juggernaut this time last year, winning the Golden Globe for Best Musical/Comedy. But when the lead star Karla Sofia Gascón’s racist, sexist, and homophobic old tweets resurfaced, the film’s Oscar campaign became a tough sell, especially after Netflix had tried so hard to sell Emilia Pérez as the “progressive” film to vote for. Mind you, the film had already received significant backlash from LGBTQ+ audiences and the Mexican community for its stereotypical and reductive portrayals, but the Gascón controversy made what was originally just social media backlash impossible to ignore. The only person who seemed to come out of the whole debacle unscathed was Zoe Saldaña, who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress over Ariana Grande.
7. ‘Sorry, Baby’ establishes Eva Victor as major talent
Back in January at the Sundance Film Festival, Eva Victor (known by many for her brand of sketch comedy) premiered their directorial debut “Sorry, Baby” to rave reviews, even winning the Waldo Salt Screening Award. Victor shadowed Jane Schoenbrun on the set of “I Saw the TV Glow,” and seeing Victor come into their own and establish such a strong voice immediately made them one of independent cinema’s most exciting new voices. A memorable scene in the film sees the main character, Agnes (played by Victor), struggling to check a box for male or female, just one example of how naturally queerness is woven into the fabric of the story.
Most recently, Victor was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in the film, and she’s represented in a category alongside Jennifer Lawrence (“Die My Love”), Jessie Buckley (“Hamnet”), Julia Roberts (“After the Hunt”), Renate Reinsve (“Sentimental Value”) and Tessa Thompson (“Hedda”). The film also received four Independent Spirit Award nominations overall.
6. Paul Reubens comes out in posthumous doc
While Paul Reubens never publicly came out as gay before passing away in 2023, the two-part documentary “Pee-wee as Himself” premiered back in May on HBO Max, giving the legendary comedian a chance to posthumously open up to the world. Directed by Matt Wolf, the documentary explores how Reubens found his alter ego Pee-Wee Herman and why he kept his private life private.
The documentary won an Emmy in the Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special category and remains one of the most critically acclaimed titles of the year with a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. Also worth noting, the National Geographic documentary Sally told the posthumous coming out story of Sally Ride through the help of her long-time partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy.
5. Lady Gaga releases ‘Mayhem’
Lady Gaga entered a new phase of her musical career with the release of Mayhem, her seventh album to date. From the frenzy-inducing pop hit Abracadabra to the memorable Bruno Mars duet featured on “Die With a Smile,” seeing Gaga return to her roots and make an album for the most die-hard of fans was especially rewarding after the underwhelming film releases of “House of Gucci” and “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Gaga has been touring with The Mayhem Ball since July, her first arena tour since 2018. She even extended her tour into 2026 with more North American dates, so the party isn’t stopping anytime soon. And Gaga is even set to make an appearance next May in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
4. Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande perform at the Oscars
While “Wicked: For Good” didn’t quite reach the heights of the first film, we will forever have Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s breathtaking live performance that opened the 97th Academy Awards. The pair sang a rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” “Home,” and “Defying Gravity,” paying proper homage to the original 1939 “Wizard of Oz.” Even non-Wicked fans can’t deny how magical and brilliantly staged this performance was. With both Erivo and Grande up for acting Oscars last year, they’re hoping to repeat success and make history with consecutive nominations. Either way, let’s hope there’s another live performance in the making, especially with two new original songs (The Girl in the Bubble and No Place Like Home) in the mix.
3. Indya Moore speaks out against Ryan Murphy
Indya Moore has consistently used social media as a platform for activism, and in September, posted a 30-minute Instagram live speaking out against “Pose” co-creator Ryan Murphy. Moore claimed that Murphy wasn’t being a true activist for trans people. “Ryan Murphy, we need you to do more. You need to address the racism, the violence, and the targeting of people on your productions, Ryan Murphy. You do need to make sure trans people are paid equally. Yes, Janet did the right thing,” Moore said. Murphy was also back in the headlines this year for the critically panned “All’s Fair” and the controversial “Monster: The Ed Gein Story” starring Laurie Metcalf and Charlie Hunnam.
2. Cole Escola wins Tony for Best Leading Actor
Few pop culture moments this year brought us together more than Cole Escola winning a Tony award for “Oh, Mary!” the Broadway show they created, wrote and starred in (we love a triple threat!) Escola made history by becoming the first nonbinary person to win a Tony in the leading actor category, and seeing them excitedly rush to the stage wearing a Bernadette Peters-inspired gown instantly became a viral social media moment.
The cherry on top of Escola’s major moment is the recent news that they are writing a Miss Piggy movie with Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone producing — news that also broke the internet for the better. We cannot wait!
1. Jonathan Bailey makes gay history as ‘Sexiest Man Alive’
The same year as his on-screen roles in blockbusters “Jurassic World Rebirth” and “Wicked: For Good,” Jonathan Bailey made history as the first openly gay man to be named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive.” The fact that it took 40 years for an openly gay man to earn the title is a signifier of how far we still have to go with queer representation, and seeing Bailey celebrated is just one small step in the right direction.
“There’s so many people that want to do brilliant stuff who feel like they can’t,” he told PEOPLE, “and I know the LGBT sector is under immense threat at the moment. So it’s been amazing to meet people who have the expertise and see potential that I could have only dreamed of.” In 2024, Bailey founded the charity titled The Shameless Fund, which raises money for LGBTQ+ organizations.
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Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more
With Christmas in the rear view mirror, we can turn our attention to ringing in a much-anticipated New Year with a slew of local LGBTQ parties. Here’s what’s on tap.
Pitchers
This spacious Adams Morgan bar is hosting the “Pitchers’ Perfect New Year’s Eve.” There will be a midnight Champagne toast, the ball drop on the big screens, and no cover, all night long. The bar doesn’t close until 4 a.m., and the kitchen will be open late (though not until close). All five floors will be open for the party, and party favors are promised.
Trade
D.C.’s hottest bar/club combo is leaning into the Shark motif with its NYE party, “Feeding Frenzy.” The party is a “glitterati-infused Naughty-cal New Year’s Even in the Shark Tank, where the boats are churning and the sharks are circling.” Trade also boasts no cover charge, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the aforementioned Shark Tank opening at 9 p.m.. Four DJs will be spread across the two spaces; midnight hostess is played by Vagenesis and the two sea sirens sensuously calling are Anathema and Justin Williams.
Number Nine
While Trade will have two DJs as part of one party, Number Nine will host two separate parties, one on each floor. The first floor is classic Number Nine, a more casual-style event with the countdown on TVs and a Champagne midnight toast. There will be no cover and doors open at 5 p.m. Upstairs will be hosted by Capital Sapphics for its second annual NYE gathering. Tickets (about $50) include a midnight Champagne toast, curated drink menu, sapphic DJ set by Rijak, and tarot readings by Yooji.
Crush
Crush will kick off NYE with a free drag bingo at 8 p.m. for the early birds. Post-bingo, there will be a cover for the rest of the evening, featuring two DJs. The cover ($20 limited pre-sale that includes line skip until 11 p.m.; $25 at the door after 9 p.m.) includes one free N/A or Crush, a Champagne toast, and party favors (“the legal kind”). More details on Eventbrite.
Bunker
This subterranean lair is hosting a NYE party entitled “Frosted & Fur: Aspen After Dark New Year’s Eve Celebration.” Arriety from Rupaul Season 15 is set to host, with International DJ Alex Lo. Doors open at 9 p.m. and close at 3 p.m.; there is a midnight Champagne toast. Cover is $25, plus an optional $99 all-you-can-drink package.
District Eagle
This leather-focused bar is hosting “Bulge” for its NYE party. Each District Eagle floor will have its own music and vibe. Doors run from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. and cover is $15. There will be a Champagne toast at midnight, as well as drink specials during the event.
Kiki, Shakiki
Kiki and its new sister bar program Shakiki (in the old Shakers space) will have the same type of party on New Year’s Eve. Both bars open their doors at 5 p.m. and stay open until closing time. Both will offer a Champagne toast at midnight. At Kiki, DJ Vodkatrina will play; at Shakiki, it’ll be DJ Alex Love. Kiki keeps the party going on New Year’s Day, opening at 2 p.m., to celebrate Kiki’s fourth anniversary. There will be a drag show at 6 p.m. and an early 2000s dance party 4-8 p.m.
Spark
This bar and its new menu of alcoholic and twin N/A drinks will host a NYE party with music by DJ Emerald Fox. Given this menu, there will be a complimentary toast at midnight, guests can choose either sparkling wine with or without alcohol. No cover, but Spark is also offering optional wristbands at the door for $35 open bar 11 p.m.-1 a.m. (mid-shelf liquor & all NA drinks).
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Local, last-minute holiday gift ideas
Celebrate the season while supporting area businesses
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is bustling. Union Station is decked out with its annual Christmas tree. Washingtonians have wrapped their houses and apartment balconies with festive lights and holiday decorations. The holiday season is here. And with stockings to fill and empty space under the tree, Washington’s local shops and artists have plenty to offer.
Show your LGBTQ and D.C. pride with the Washington Blade’s annual holiday gift guide.
To embrace the holiday buzz: The Blanco Nwèl cocktail from Alchy Cocktails. This Caribbean eggnog is one of Alchy Cocktail’s seasonal holiday cocktails. The flavor profile is similar to coquito, a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas drink with a coconut base. As a queer and Caribbean-owned business, Alchy Cocktails has been based out of Washington since 2021. Blanco Nwèl is available in both cocktail ($24) and mocktail ($12) online and at a variety of holiday markets, including the Tingey Plaza Holiday Market, the Flea Market at Eastern Market, Union Station’s Main Hall Holiday Market, and more. ($24)
A spicy bite: Gordy’s Cajun Okra from Salt and Sundry. These spicy, tangy pickles pull on Southern Cajun-style flavors, packing a punch with paprika, cayenne, and more. Gordy’s is an LGBTQ-owned and Washington-based brand, making this gift an opportunity to support a local LGBTQ business straight from the jar. This pantry staple is available on Salt & Sundry’s website and at its locations in Union Market, Logan Circle, and its Georgetown holiday pop-up store. ($14)
To celebrate Washington pride: The DC Landmark Tote Bag from The Neighborgoods. Native Washingtonians, visitors, friends and family alike will find something to love about this Washington-themed tote bag. Food trucks, the 9:30 Club, the Metro logo and pandas from the National Zoo are just some of the city’s landmarks depicted across the tote in a red, white, and blue color palette. The tote is a part of the DC Landmarks collection, which donates 10 percent of its sales to the American Civil Liberties Union. The Neighborgoods itself is a local, woman-owned business built out of a passion for screen-printing in 2013. The 100 percent cotton canvas tote is for sale online or at the DowntownDC Holiday Market. ($22)
To give friends and family their flowers: The Flowers Bandana from All Very Goods. This 100 percent cotton bandana was designed in Washington and hand printed in India. Its uniqueness comes in being covered with the faces of Black women, representing a “love letter to all women but especially Black women,” according to All Very Goods. The Black woman-owned and operated business, based out of Northwest Washington, has a mission to celebrate diversity and representation through its products. The bandana intends to give Black women their “flowers.” The Flowers bandana is available for purchase online. ($24)
To unlock culinary creativity: The Curious Chef Gift Collection from Each Peach Market. This customizable collection of kitchen oddities — ranging from tinned fish to chili oil — is a quirky gift for the most inventive chefs. The collection is available in a Standard Santa, Extra Goodies and Super Holiday Size for up to $165. The Washington-based market, founded in 2013, permits customers to make the collection special by specifying what unique ingredients are packaged, including products made by local or LGBTQ brands. Each Peach Market offers assembly and pick up in-person at its Mount Pleasant shop and also offers local delivery and nationwide shipping via its website. ($85)
To give a touch of sweetness: The DC Landmark Chocolate Covered Oreo Holiday Cookies from Capital Candy Jar. Wrapped in a festive red bow, this box of nine cookies embraces love for Washington and the holiday season in one. Among the dark and milk chocolate covered cookies are images of the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial and festive hollies. The treat, packaged in a Hill East facility just a few blocks from the Capitol, is available for purchase online and at the DowntownDC Holiday Market. ($23.95)
To celebrate queer gaming: Thirsty Sword Lesbians from Labyrinth Games & Puzzles. This roleplaying game embraces lesbian culture by unlocking a world of swords, romance, and battle. Ideal for group settings, the book presents a system of world building and character identities that are best brought to life by creative minds. Labyrinth, which has been a local Washington business for more than 15 years, celebrates non-digital fun through games and puzzles that connect the community. This gift is offered online and at Labyrinth’s Capitol Hill location. ($29.99)
To make a bold statement: The “Resist” T-shirt from Propper Topper. This locally screen-printed black tee features the Washington flag designed within a raised fist, symbolizing both Washington pride, and political resistance. The shirt is made exclusively by Propper Topper, a local Washington business that evolved from a hat shop to a gift store since opening in 1990. The tri-blend unisex shirt is available both for pickup at Propper Topper’s Cathedral Heights location and shipping via the online site. ($32)
To keep it c(g)lassy: The Glass Ball earrings from Blue Moon Aquarius. Gifting can rarely go wrong when it comes to a new pair of earrings. The unique statement earrings — made of polymer clay, glass, and 18k gold plating over surgical steel — are hand cut, sanded and assembled in Washington, meaning each set is unique. Blue Moon Aquarius, a local brand, is known for its small batch jewelry and home decor designed with clay materials. Available in oxblood, hunter green, lavender, and bluestone color palettes, these earrings are available for purchase on Blue Moon Aquarius’ website and at the DowntownDC Holiday Market. ($48)
To elevate a holiday tea or charcuterie party: The Honey Flight: Tea Lover’s Selection from BannerBee. This local honey company presents the ideal gift to make cozying up with a cup of tea slightly more special. The Honey Flight contains three types of raw wildflower honey infused with fair trade Ugandan vanilla bean, chai spices, and locally sourced lemon thyme herb. The gift is also an opportunity to uplift a family company based in the Mid-Atlantic that offers all-natural, sustainable products. The flight is available online, at the DowntownDC Holiday Market or at the Arlington Courthouse and Dupont Farmers’ Markets. ($36)
For Baltimore shoppers: If you’re in Charm City, don’t miss Balston Mercantile, opened by a gay couple in June. Their gorgeous shop in the Hampden neighborhood offers an array of unique, upscale finds, from barware and artwork to cookbooks and home decor and more. (849 W. 36th St.)
