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Sleigh the season with our local holiday gift guide
D.C. artists and vendors have something for everyone on your list
If the Jennifer Coolidge tree covered in lights in front of The Little Gay Pub and familiar sounds of Mariah Carey’s classic “All I Want For Christmas Is You” blasting from every speaker in the city haven’t given it away, the holiday season is in full swing in Washington. Still searching for gifts that spread holiday cheer and support the local LGBTQ community? Look no further. With this gift guide you can sleigh the season with style.
For the friend who always needs to be doing something: The First Pride Was A Riot Embroidery Kit from Capital Stitch Co. This kit comes with everything you need to create a beautiful embroidery hoop worthy of display including a needle, thread, fabric, and detailed instructions. Not only will you be creating beautiful art, but you will also be supporting a local queer business. The kit is available at the Capital Stitch Co booth at the DowntownDC Holiday Market in Penn Quarter-Chinatown or on their Etsy shop. ($32)
For the luxury obsessed friend: Mini Bound Together Necklace from Automic Gold. This solid 14-karat gold necklace has two beautiful and simple circles linking together that will shine on anyone’s neck. Automic Gold is a trans-owned jewelry company whose goal is to make timeless and gender-less jewelry that everyone can enjoy. The necklace is handmade in New York City using recycled, reclaimed, and ethically sourced materials. This piece, as well as many other beautiful items that bring a queer sparkle to jewelry can be found at Automic Gold’s website. ($419)
For the friend who always has fresh flowers in their house: The DIY Pressed Flower Frame Kit from Wildry. This kit includes all you need to make a one-of-a-kind pressed flower display to hang in your home while also supporting a queer business duo. The kit includes flowers if you want them, but can be substituted for your own favorites instead. The kit is available at the Wildry booth at the DowntownDC Holiday Market, Relume in Capitol Hill, Shop Made in DC in Georgetown, or at their website. ($32)
For the friend with kids: Santa’s Sequoias 500-piece puzzle from New York Puzzle Company. This puzzle includes 500 beautiful and bright pieces that will keep you (or your kid) entertained for hours. The New York Puzzle Company has varying sizes of puzzles so if 500 isn’t quite enough (or too many), they’ve got one that will work for you. The New York Puzzle Company was highlighted as one of the LGBTQ vendors at the DowntownDC Holiday Market, where you can pick up a box today before Christmas or from their website. ($23)
For the friend building their bar: Republic Restoratives Distillery’s Stocking Stuffer Pack. Imagine looking into your stocking on Christmas morning to see a cute bottle of vodka and bourbon, locally made. Republic Restoratives Distillery is selling a stocking stuffer pack with two 100ml bottles of Washington made spirits (each bottle makes two drinks). With a choice of two Civic Vodkas, two Borough Bourbons, or one of each, this stocking stuffer gift is a great way to test out locally created spirits. RRD’s spirits are available at Batch13 liquor store or online or at Republic Restoratives Distillery’s website. ($26)
For the friend always in the kitchen: Washington, D.C. Season’s Greetings Tea Towel by Naked Decor. This incredibly detailed tea towel shows Washington’s famous monuments decorated to the nines for the season. This towel, along with all the rest of Naked Decor’s products, are designed by award-winning queer art director Supon Phornirunlit, who includes many Washington landmarks in their art, from King Kong clinging to the Washington Monument to giant octopuses taking over tour boats in the Tidal Basin. These charming tea towels add personality to any kitchen and, along with similar style artworks, can be purchased at the DowntownDC Holiday Market or at Naked Decor’s website. ($14)
For the friend always out and about: The “Colors of Washington” Travel Umbrella by Icons of D.C. In most cases, getting an umbrella can be an underwhelming gift but Icon’s of D.C. changes that perception with their “Colors of Washington” travel umbrella. The umbrella has 16 panels, each decorated with a different pantone color matching something uniquely Washington. From National Mall grass green to Chinatown Gate orange, this creative umbrella will brighten any rainy day. You can snag a colorful umbrella at the DowntownDC Holiday Market or on Icon’s of DCs website. ($26.95)
For hat lovers: Blame Daddy’s “Transform Human Rights” Hat. Washington is getting colder day by day and one way to stay warm is with a hat. Local queer-owned brand Blame Daddy has created 2024 BE LOUD collection of merchandise that spotlight important social issues within the queer community. These hats showcase the brand’s creative edge but also serve as a powerful statement advocating for the protection and recognition of transgender rights. These hats are available at Blame Daddy’s pop-up shops in various spots across the city, including Trade bar, as well as online. ($28)
For the chocolate lover: Peppermint Chocolate Truffle Tin by Tuck’s Truffles. These truffles, made with rich chocolate and crushed peppermint candy can be found at Tuck’s Truffles X The Fat Cactus pop up shop at the DowntownDC Holiday Market. The company was started by queer business owner Tucker Gaccione. Gaccione, who began selling the truffles at Christmas markets in Boston, uses a 130-year-old Dutch truffle recipe as the base of his creations. This has since grown to more than 20 different flavors, all of which make fantastic gifts that can be purchased at their DowntownDC Holiday Market booth or online at Tuck’s Truffles website. ($27)
For the book lover: HP Hardcover Book Purse by Rebound Designs. Queer artist Caitlin Phillips based out of Brookland in Northeast uses old and unwanted books to create beautiful custom handbags. While Phillips offers many purses designed with various books from The Great Gatsby to Nancy Drew, a set of Harry Potter cover clad purses seemed to grab the most attention from passersby at the DowntownDC Holiday Market. The Harry Potter purses, which Phillips has admitted feeling weary of selling due to the author’s problematic stance on transgender people, comes with a promise. For every Harry Potter product they sell, Phillips donates money to trans advocacy organizations across the country. Phillips told the Blade that they donated more than $1,000 last year to organizations that work to uplift trans children from selling Harry Potter products alone. The Book Purses are available at the DowntownDC Holiday Market or online as a custom order. ($130-$300)
For the friend who is super into Halloween: Pearl Skull Soap Dispenser by Wrong World Ceramics. While it is difficult to find Halloween decor that looks good enough to stay up year round, Chase Brown, the creator of Wrong World Ceramics in Philadelphia, has found a perfect balance between edgy and pretty. The handmade soap dispenser, which is one of many handmade ceramic pieces Brown sells with the queer run Crafts Dept Philly art collective, is covered in a pearlescent glaze that will add a pop of whimsy- or spooky, to any bathroom. The soap dispenser is available online at Wrong World’s website or the DowntownDC Holiday Market. ($88)
If you are shopping for your best friend, partner, or even yourself there is no need to travel far. Many fantastic shops owned and operated by LGBTQ people exist all over Washington so skip the corporate stores and shop local.
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Mr. Henry’s celebrates 60 years of proud inclusivity
Capitol Hill staple remains ‘a caring community’
America’s 250th isn’t the only milestone birthday D.C. is celebrating this year.
Beloved D.C. restaurant Mr. Henry’s, that Capitol Hill staple, celebrates its Diamond Jubilee all year long. Named for its original owner Henry Yaffe, the restaurant opened on a warm day 60 years ago in the summer of 1966 and has never looked back.
Yaffe took over what was then a country western restaurant, renovated the interior to his liking, and created an institution. Yet Yaffe had another goal. As a gay man, “he created Mr. Henry’s to be a place where everyone felt welcome — not easy in 1966 — and he succeeded,” says current owner Mary Quillian.
“Mr. Henry’s has long been a place the LGBTQ community has supported because they felt and still feel welcomed,” says Quillian. Even in the current administration, “the gay community and the diversity-minded community continue to come.”
Since then, Mr. Henry’s has changed hands, opened and closed its second floor, welcomed famed musical acts, and played host to politicians, date nights, breakups, and birthdays. But it still feels like home (and has a note in the National Trust for Historic Preservation) at 601 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E.
Its wood-paneled, Victorian-inspired art-filled décor in the downstairs dining room and bar serves American pub fare for lunch and dinner daily, with brunch on weekends (and a dog-friendly patio). Upstairs, Mr. Henry’s hosts live jazz performances and special events most nights, continuing a musical tradition that has defined the venue for decades. That upstairs bar has played host to names like Roberta Flack and Woody Allen.
Musician Kevin Cordt said that, “Mr. Henry’s has been a part of my life for more than 30 years. I started as a customer, then became a bartender and server, and now I have the good fortune to play trumpet at one of the best live music venues in Washington, D.C.”
Aaron Myers, executive director of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, is also a supporter. “Not many cities can sport venues that have consistently served the community in the space of culture for more than 50 years, let alone can brag as the birthplace of culture defining talent.”
From the start, Yaffe promoted a rare yet celebrated combination of locals’ bar and soulful nightlife venue. Mr. Henry’s has attracted a diverse crowd at a time when such spaces were – and perhaps still are – uncommon, a diversity that is credited with helping protect the pub during the 1968 D.C. riots.
Longtime customer Evelyn Branic said, “Mr. Henry’s has been my ‘Cheers’ hangout since my wife and I moved to the Hill in 1987. I’ve experienced many iconic moments meeting politicians, reporters, civic activists, and neighbors engaging in spirited conversations. Whether political, LGBTQ, historians, neighbors, or out-of-towners, everyone could find a special place to be greeted as a friend.”
Its welcoming tables come dabbed with a bit of tea: In 1971, in a moment that has since become part of Capitol Hill lore, Yaffe lost the pub in a poker game to Larry Quillian. The Quillian family, recognizing the special role Mr. Henry’s played in the neighborhood, took over ownership, and committed to preserving its spirit. Today, Larry’s daughter Mary owns the bar, having given it a bit of a facelift for the bar’s 50th birthday, bringing in new tables and some fresh menu items.
For example, the menu has some of those dishes that regulars would riot if they disappeared. The Reuben and the hamburgers, the chili and in-house roasted turkey have never departed the menu. Dishes do evolve, says Quillen: they added wings about two decades ago.
In 2026, the restaurant is hosting monthly ticketed “decades” parties, celebrating each of the 10-year periods the restaurant’s been open, plus there were specials in June for Pride. The official 60th anniversary gala takes place Aug. 29, featuring performers, beverages, timeless favorite foods, swag – and the unveiling of a new cocktail.
Inclusive, eccentric, eclectic, Mr. Henry’s is looking forward to maintaining its centrality to diverse crowds in Capitol Hill. Battling inflation, rising menu prices, changing tastes, and thin margins, Quillian says that Mr. Henry’s has — and will always be — “a caring community for so many different folks. And THAT is why I am committed to keeping us going. Society needs places like Mr. Henry’s, now more than ever.”
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Television loses a legend, longtime ‘Will & Grace’ director James Burrows
Iconic hitmaker leaves behind a legacy of telling LGBTQ stories
You don’t have to be a pretentious film major to name 10 movie directors. But naming television directors is not that simple. They’re the unsung heroes of your favorite shows, and the late James Burrows was the television director. He passed on June 19, but his DNA runs through television history.
He directed over 1200 episodes of television and over 50 pilots. He co-created “Cheers” and directed many episodes of long-running series like “Friends,” “Taxi,” “Frasier,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Two and a Half Men.” You also may remember him from playing a heightened version of himself on the Lisa Kudrow comedy “The Comeback.”
He has left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ community. As recently as last year, he directed the series run of “Mid-Century Modern” starring Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Linda Lavin. He was also a longtime director of “Will & Grace” and directed every episode of the series revival. He even directed the unaired “Absolutely Fabulous” pilot with Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Johnston, and Zosia Mamet.
Not to mention he’s worked with queer icons throughout history, including Betty White and Stockard Channing on their single-season series, and Jennifer Coolidge in “2 Broke Girls.”
He started his career on shows like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Rhoda,” “Laverne & Shirley,” and the first four seasons of “Taxi.”
He continued to work steadily and directed successful pilots that went to series for “Roc,” “3rd Rock From the Sun,” “Dharma & Greg,” and “Wings.” He directed multiple episodes of “Friends,” “Caroline in the City,” and “Frasier.”
This magic continued into the 2000s with him directing the pilots for “Two and a Half Men,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and multiple episodes of “Mike & Molly,” and the entire return series of “Will & Grace.”
What was the secret to his success? He’d enact the “fun clause” in his contract. In his words, “Life is too short to deal with obnoxious leads,” he shared. “So as long as the writing is good and the cast is fun, I’m going to enjoy the experience.”
He had the magic touch, having multiple pilots turned into long-running series. He was nominated for an Emmy 24 times in 26 years and worked consistently until a year before his death.
The secret was the way he brought the cast together. He describes, “it was my job to mold them into an ensemble, and they did round into a group of people who loved each other.”
This earned him 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild of America Awards, including being awarded the inaugural DGA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Television Direction.
In a 2003 interview by the Television Academy, he was asked how he wants to be remembered, and he said, “That every night forever you can tune in somewhere, and there’ll be a show I did.”
He’s survived by his wife, Debbie, four daughters, seven grandchildren, and the countless people whose careers he launched and the countless viewers he inspired with his television legacy.
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D.C. prepares to party as Pride celebrations kick off Saturday
Bars, clubs have busy lineups; Pride on the Pier returns
Capital Pride’s date change isn’t slowing down the festivities. Back in December, the Capital Pride Alliance shifted the calendar for Pride celebrations in the nation’s capital from the second weekend of June to two weeks later to the weekend of June 20-21 to not conflict with President Trump’s birthday and 250th anniversary of America celebrations, with the aim that “our community can gather safely and without unnecessary barriers… We are protecting our space and preserving Pride as a powerful act of visibility, solidarity, and resistance.”
On the heels of WorldPride last year, the city shows no sign of slowing down. Instead, restaurants, bars, clubs, and neighborhoods are taking the opportunity to be even more visible. The Blade has put together a (non-comprehensive) list of parties, activations, and activities across town:
Pride on the Pier returns on Saturday, June 13 to the Wharf on the Southwest waterfront. The event, sponsored and hosted by the Washington Blade, is free and runs from 4-9 p.m. There will be vendors, DJs, and drag performances all day. VIP tickets are $25 and come with air conditioned party room, private bathrooms, and free cocktail. More details at prideonthepierdc.com.
Capital Pride Official Opening Party: RIOT! is the official opening dance party of Capital Pride, taking place Friday June 19, 9 PM-3AM. The 2026 edition headlining performer is Myki Meeks, a finalist of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 18; Bob The Drag Queen will perform a special set. DMV-area DJs and performers include: Bambi, Baphomette, Bumper, Cake Pop!, Connor, DJ Ed Bailey, DJ Diyanna Monet, Evry Pleasure, Jakknife Complex, Mari Con Carne, Pussy Noir, WessTheDJ. Trade owner Ed Bailey is producing the event.
Kinetic Presents brings the heat across the entirety of Pride weekend as well. It again is partnering with Capital Pride Alliance to produce four events over four days this Pride, including the Official Main Event on Saturday (the Friday official event is at Echostage). Kinetic’s parties are splayed across various D.C. venues, with special performances, massive productions, shirtless dancers, play zones, dance-forward audio and visuals, and international DJ talent. Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM at District Eagle is Lust, with music by Dan Slater and TOMI. Friday, June 19 at 10 PM is UNCUT XXL Heavy Load, at A.i. Warehouse in Union Market District, with music by Alex Acosta, Felipe Lira & Mitch Ferrino; the party is a “high-octane night of muscular house and tribal rhythms.” Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM brings that official main event, Kinetic Toy Land, at Echostage, with music by GSP & Matt Suave. Alaska Thunderfuck headlines. Sunday evening June 21 at 10 PM closes with discoVERS at SAX. A portion of tickets supports the DC LGBTQ+ community through Capital Pride Alliance.
9:30 Club always comes in clutch for the LGBTQ community. Already in June, it produced Kitty Kat Ball on June 7, and Kiesza performed on June 8. On June 20 at 10 PM, the famed Mixtape party hits the stage, care of gay DJs Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer, who have spun together for coming up on two decades. Mixtape has been held at several venues across the city over those years, and now settled on 9:30 Club for Pride. On June 25 at 7 PM, Big Freedia – the bounce artist from New Orleans – hits the 9:30 Club scene for the eighth time, as part of the Big Freedom Tour.
Crush: New this year from the 14th Street bar is the Pride Pop-Up, sitting pretty in the parking lot at 1820 14th St., N.W., at the corner of Swann Street by the start of the Pride Parade route. Hours are Friday from 2-10 PM and Saturday from 12-10 PM. Friday evening features Grizzly Bear Happy Hour, a DJ will set up shop on Saturday, and for those needing another layer, there’s a Crush merch store. Co-owner Mark Rutstein “has always wanted to throw a party in that parking lot, so he did,” said co-owner Stephen Rutgers. Note that Crush (the bar) will have a cover on Friday and Saturday.
Kiki: Over at Kiki, there’s a full slate of Pride-themed programming all week. Tuesday, June 16 at 9 PM brings karaoke; Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 PM is trivia; Thursday June 18 at 9PM is “Night of 1000 Tatianna’s Drag Show”, and Friday June 19 at 9 PM brings the Juneteenth Serve Drag Show. Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM, post-parade, is a Pride Dance Party with DJ Lemz. Sunday daytime at 5 PM is the Father Figures Daddy Issues Special Drag Show; and after the festival at 8 PM, DJ Tezrah hits the tapes.
Jane Jane: Right along the parade route, gay-owned Jane Jane has transformed its space into a “No Kings, Yas Queens” activation in a direct response to the America 250th commemorations happening downtown, from the colorful window installation, to merch (including a custom bandana and tank) to disco wig installations. Events include industry night on Mondays, donations to LGBTQ charities, and to-go cocktails during the Pride Parade.
Shaw’s Tavern: Gay-owned Shaw’s Tavern on Florida Avenue celebrates Pride week with a full lineup of themed events, entertainment, and specials, including Pride trivia on Monday, June 15 at 7:30 PM, bingo on Tuesday, June 16 at 8 PM, a cabaret on Thursday, June 18 at 9 PM, Juneteenth Drag Brunch on Friday, June 19 at 12:30 PM, and both a pre-parade brunch (10 AM-4 PM) and post-parade party (5-9 PM) on Saturday, June 20. Sunday, June 21 at 7 PM brings Mama’s Sunday Supper & Drag Pride Show in the evening for anyone who is still awake.
Trade: This classic has a weekend of events, starting on Thursday, with Tiburon Pride Edition, a Latin Dance party in the Shark Tank. On Friday, the bar opens early (at 2 PM), with all-day happy hour and the Jx&Evry Show. On Saturday, the bar opens at noon, offering a prime parade viewing spot from its windows. There will be the CLASH drag show hosted by Tatianna and Crimsyn, and Sweet Spot party that night. On Sunday, the bar opens for normal hours at 2 PM, with DJs Adam K, Alex Love, and WESSTHEDJ.
Pitchers: The multi-level bar in Adams Morgan is hosting a Pride-themed show on Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM, with drawstring bag giveaways – the only kind of bag that will be allowed into the bar during Pride weekend. The show features drag queen Kyle Sonique Love.
Barrel House Cafe and Bar: Also by the parade route on 14th Street, Barrel House Cafe takes advantage of its large patio to have a slate of events during Pride week, including Schism, a drag and burlesque show on June 18 at 10 PM, as well as an all-day Pride party coinciding on parade day.
Bunker: Bunker again plays host to a series of afters. Friday night (Saturday 3:30 AM) is Unhinged, and Saturday night (Sunday 3:30AM) is Unholy. The regular Saturday night party (10 PM) brings in Venetian and Tiara Missou. All parties have cover charges.
District Eagle: Beyond the Kinetic party on Friday, June 19 brings Gear Night at 10 PM; Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM is LOBO presents PRISM, and Sunday, June 21 is Sundaze wit Papi at 6 PM.
African Art Museum: On Thursday, June 18 at 5 PM, this Smithsonian museum is hosting a free event with artists and curators celebrating its exhibit, “Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art,” “based on years of close collaboration and dialogue with African visual art practitioners who claim belonging in the LGBTQ+ community, however they define those terms,” according to the museum.
KNEAD Hospitality & Design: The gay-owned KNEAD restaurant group (including spots like Gatsby, Mi Vida, Succotash The Grill) is featuring the GLITTERATI cocktail, made with Tito’s, St-Germain Elderflower, Butterfly Flower, ginger, and yes, glitter. A portion of proceeds from every Glitterati cocktail sold will benefit The Trevor Project. The cocktail will be sold throughout June.
The Fountain Inn is partnering with Rhodium spirits (Rhode Island’s first LGBTQ+ owned distillery) all month, making cocktails like gimlets and espresso martinis featuring Rhodium’s liquors. Proceeds benefit SMYAL, an organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth.
Hard Rock Cafe: Hard Rock DC is taking part in the chain’s annual “LOVE OUT LOUD” campaign, with Pride merch, specials on June 20, and a donation to The Trevor Project.
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