Arts & Entertainment
‘Matilda Challenge’ becomes latest viral craze
Mara Wilson, the film’s star, approves of the social media sensation


Mara Wilson in ‘Matilda’ (Screenshot via YouTube)
“Matilda” may have hit theaters in 1996 but the cult classic is making a comeback thanks to the “Matilda Challenge.”
The fantasy film, based on the novel by Roald Dahl, tells the story of Matilda Wormwood (Mara Wilson) who is bullied by her cruel parents and strict principal. After learning she has the power of telekinesis, she starts to stand up for herself.
The challenge is based on the famous scene from the film where Matilda practices her newfound telekinesis power in her living room while “Little Bitty Pretty One” by Thurston Harris plays in the background.
Now, people are pretending to have the power of telekinesis by having other people move items around a room. Of course, the song also plays in the background.
Un poquito de #MatildaChallenge ? pic.twitter.com/gKvpvKNXti
— Catalina ღ (@catarebolo) August 10, 2018
Please enjoy this #MatildaChallenge to round out my last week in my apartment pic.twitter.com/cqs14Y6FWw
— Taylor♡ (@TCooks17) August 14, 2018
we do it so…?pic.twitter.com/zn1TWDCrUN
— ץiro ?? (@LaPitaLaPula) August 14, 2018
Wilson, who came out as bisexual in 2016, approved of the challenge even posting some of her favorites.
Hahahahaha I LOVE THESE #MatildaChallenge
— Mara “Get Rid of the Nazis” Wilson (@MaraWilson) August 13, 2018
Apparently this was the one that started it all? #MatildaChallenge https://t.co/5tnw09OfKy
— Mara “Get Rid of the Nazis” Wilson (@MaraWilson) August 13, 2018
This one has a DOG #MatildaChallenge https://t.co/1lyawgcNpr
— Mara “Get Rid of the Nazis” Wilson (@MaraWilson) August 13, 2018
This one is very intricate and has a great dancer https://t.co/PqQlbiYVJw #MatildaChallenge
— Mara “Get Rid of the Nazis” Wilson (@MaraWilson) August 13, 2018

Friday, May 23
“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Yoga” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. For more details, email [email protected].
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity and/or expression. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 24
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ community, including Allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Black Lesbian Mixer will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a support group dedicated to the joys of being a Black lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Sunday, May 25
“The Queen’s Table: A Women’s Empowerment Brunch” will be at 11 a.m. at Zooz. This event will celebrate queer women’s strength. For more details visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 26
“Center Aging Monday Coffee and Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 27
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary. Whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know you’re not 100 percent cis — this is your group. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Wednesday, May 28
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, May 29
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fairer with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. 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 with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony

The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)



























2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)










