The year in photos

Top LGBTQ news photos of 2025

Published

1 month ago

January 3, 2026

Michael Key

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

The 40th annual Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather competition is held on Jan. 12 at the Hyatt Regency Washington.

A drag dance protest is held outside the Kennedy Center on Jan. 13.

Activists gather for The People’s March on the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial on Jan. 18.

The Transgender Unity Rally and March is held on March 1. Activists march from the U.S. Capitol to the White House.

President **Donald Trump** addresses the Joint Session of Congress on March 4.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington performs “Passports” at Lincoln Theatre on March 14.

The American Civil Liberties Union displays a ‘Freedom to Be’ trans flag on the Mall on May 17.

Actress **Ts Madison** speaks at the Black Pride Opening Reception on May 23.

The WorldPride Parade moves through the streets of Washington, D.C. on June 7.

**Doechii** performs at the main stage of the WorldPride Festival on June 8.

Activist/performer **Tara Hoot** speaks at the D.C. Drag Awards at Trade on July 20.

Cast members from ‘Queer Eye’ speak at a CAA event at Crush Dance Bar on Aug. 4.

The National Guard is controversially deployed by President Trump into Washington, D.C. Military-style vehicles are parked in front of Union Station on Aug.14.

Activists march in a ‘Trump Must Go’ protest ending at the White House on Aug. 16.

Supporters of trans students attend a meeting of the Arlington School Board on Aug. 21 to counter a speech by anti-trans Virginia gubernatorial candidate, Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears.

Local governmental officials as well as volunteers and staff of MoCo Pride Center attend a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new LGBTQ community center in Bethesda, Md. on Aug. 30.

Activists protest cuts to PEPFAR funding outside of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on Sept. 2.

**Ivanna Rights** is crowned Miss Gay Maryland America 2025 at The Lodge in Boonsboro, Md. on Sept. 6.

Thousands join the We Are All D.C. March on Sept. 6.

A scene from the We Are All D.C. March on Sept. 6.

**Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson** speaks at the U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS on Sept. 7.

**Cake Pop!** performs at the Washington Blade’s Best of LGBTQ D.C. party at Crush Dance Bar on Oct. 16.

A participant poses for the camera at the High Heel Race on 17th Street, N.W. on Oct. 28.

President **Joe Biden** speaks at the International LGBTQ Leaders Conference at the JW Marriott on Dec. 5.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington perform ‘The Holiday Show’ at the Lincoln Theatre on Dec. 12.

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PHOTOS: Drag in rural Virginia

Performers face homophobia, find community

Published

1 week ago

February 8, 2026

Landon Shackelford

Four drag performers dance in front of an anti-LGBTQ protester outside the campus of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. (Blade photo by Landon Shackelford)

Drag artists perform for crowds in towns across Virginia. The photographer follows Gerryatrick, Shenandoah, Climaxx, Emerald Envy among others over eight months as they perform at venues in the Virginia towns of Staunton, Harrisonburg and Fredericksburg.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

Photos

PHOTOS: SMYAL for the New Year

LGBTQ youth services organization holds annual fundraiser

Published

3 weeks ago

January 29, 2026

Michael Key

From left, SMYAL Executive Director Erin Whelan and journalist Ari Shapiro attend SMYAL for the New Year at Shakiki on Thursday, Jan. 22. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The LGBTQ youth services organization SMYAL held its annual fundraiser, ‘SMYAL for the New Year,’ at Shakiki (2012 9th Street, N.W.) on Thursday, Jan. 22.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Photos

PHOTOS: Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2026

Gage Ryder wins annual competition

Published

4 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

Michael Key

Gage Ryder, center, wins the title of Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2026 in a competition at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, Jan. 18. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The 2026 Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather competition was held at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill on Sunday. Seven contestants vied for the title and Gage Ryder was named the winner.

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)