Arts & Entertainment

Spins and salchows

You don’t have to be an expert skater to have fun with the Ice Breakers

Published

15 years ago

January 6, 2011

Members of the D.C. Ice Breakers, a local LGBT skating group, at a recent activity night at the Ballston Common Mall in Arlington. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Majoros)

Back in 2006, Neil Schuldenfrei saw an ad on Craigslist promoting an open skate for lesbians and gays at a local ice skating rink. He and a friend arrived at the rink only to find there was no representation from the LGBT community. Instead of letting this incident go by, Schuldenfrei decided to create his own gay ice skating group, the D.C. Ice Breakers.

The Ice Breakers skate twice a month during the adults-only hour on Wednesday nights at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex atop the Ballston Common Mall in Arlington. The skate runs from 8:15 to 9:15 PM and the cost is $8 plus $3 for skate rental. After the skate, members head to Bailey’s Pub (in the mall) for socializing.

The Kettler Capitals Iceplex is truly a sight to behold. In addition to the 20,000 square foot training center for the Washington Capitals, the Iceplex features two indoor NHL-sized ice rinks, locker rooms, a full-service ProShop, a Capitals Team Store, a snack bar and space for special events. On the night I went to skate, I had as much fun exploring the facility as I did skating.

The Ice Breakers came up with the idea of co-hosting skating nights with other LGBT sports teams as well as LGBT networking and social groups. I skated with the Federal Triangles Soccer Club and found the whole experience to be a throwback to my youth at ice rinks and roller rinks.

There is fun music blasting, they change direction on the rink halfway through the hour, and at some point all the lights go out and there are strobe lights bouncing off disco balls.

Another thing that stood out to me was the different skill levels present on the ice. The group skates during the public skate so there can be as many as 100 people on the ice. There were people clinging to the walls, people stumbling over the ice and also people gliding over the ice. In the center of the rink, you can watch the advanced skaters practicing their spins and jumps.

“If you happen to fall down, there is always someone good-looking who will pick you up,” Schuldenfrei says.

Along with the skating, the Ice Breakers have begun to add other types of events to their calendar. This past year they have hosted party game nights, lazy river tubing, high-speed boat cruises and winery tours. Every quarter they offer up one of their “Mega Skate” or “Mega Game” nights. These events are co-hosted by up to 10 LGBT groups and after the skate, they converge at Bailey’s Pub for board games, free use of the pool tables and drink specials.

Schuldenfrei, who was recently honored by Team D.C. as an LGBT trailblazer, says the recent “Mega” events have drawn up to 350 people with an equal division of men and women.

If you are interested in co-hosting an event with the D.C. Ice Breakers or want more information on the skates, go here.

Out & About

Love board games and looking for love?

Published

17 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Image by VLADGRIN/Bigstock)

Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC.

Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?

Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment.

At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.

Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: January 16-22

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

17 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, January 16

Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, January 17

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

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP.

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

Sunday, January 18

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, January 19

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, January 20

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Wednesday, January 21

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

Thursday, January 22

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Sports

Capitals to host 10th annual Pride night

Pre-game block party planned at District E

Published

18 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The Washington Capitals will host Pride Night on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they host the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena. A special ticket offer featuring a Pride-themed Capitals rainbow jersey is available at washcaps.com.

Fans are invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature a performance by the band NovaKane. Specialty happy hour food and beverages will be available, as well as giveaways. There will also be a presence by several local LGBTQ+ community organizations.