Out & About
Calendar: Sept. 13-19
Performances, parties and events in the week to come

Friday, Sept. 13
The D.C. Center Fall Reception is tonight from 7-10 p.m. at the Warner Building (1299 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.). Tickets start at $50. This is the Center’s signature fundraising event and contributions ensure programming continues for all the D.C. area LGBT community. The reception celebrates 15 years of service as well as a return to the rooftop space at the Warner building. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
The Alamo Drafthouse (15200 Potomac Town Place, Suite 100, Woodbridge, Va.) is screening “Friday the 13th (1980)” for 24 hours starting at 10 p.m. tonight. Return to Camp Crystal Lake, shuttered for over 20 years due to several vicious and unsolved murders, now home to a new owner with seven frisky, young counselors. Enjoy a prime Kevin Bacon, as counselors and staff re-open the camp despite warnings from the locals. What could go wrong? For tickets and a vintage trailer, visit drafthouse.com.
Saturday, Sept. 14
Arty Queers, D.C.’s LGBTQ Art Market, is open today from 11a.m.-5 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W., suite no.105). This monthly indoor market features original artwork for sale including paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry and more. All art is created by local LGBT artisans and displayed in the heart of the U street corridor. Art space is available for $20 per table, and interested artists should visit thedccenter.org for more information.
Drag Picnic hosted by Brooklyn Heights is today from 12:30-3 p.m. at Pitchers D.C. The event is every second and fourth Saturday of the month and showtime is promptly at 1 p.m. Performances by Brooklyn Heights and other D.C. area favorites. Reservations can be made at pitchersdc.eventbrite.com.
The Harmonizers fall show “The Circle of Life” is tonight fro 4-6:30 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center (4915 East Campus Drive, Alexandria, Va.). This annual event is a journey through Broadway hits, featuring 2015 Barbershop Harmony Society International Quartet Champions “Instant Classic” and the multi-award winning Sweet Adelines quartet, “GQ.” Prices are $35 for general admission tickets and $100 for premier seating. For more information, visit harmonizers.org.
The 2019 Baltimore Drag Festival hosted by Ryan Butler, Josh Kohn and Micah E. Wood starts tonight at 7 p.m. at the Creative Alliance (3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore). Baltimore’s first-ever drag festival includes vendors, fun, community and drag performances. Headliners include Sabrina White, Karmella and Iyana Deschanel. General admission tickets are $15, $12 for members and $15-18 at the door. VIP tickets are $25, $22 for members. More information at creativealliance.org.
Rave Room featuring Tama Gucci, hosted by Friends with Benefits Radio, is tonight at 10 p.m. Tickets start at $13. Location to be sent by email shortly after purchase.Tama Gucci, a pioneer of R&B and drum and base fusion is the first featured artist of this event series featuring old-school rave, hardcore, breakbeat, hard techno and more. Tickets available at residentadvisor.net or $20 at the door.
Sunday, Sept. 15
The Maryland Renaissance Festival (1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, Md.) hosts a Celtic Celebration today from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tickets are $27 for ages 16-61 and $12 for 7-15. Today attendees can enjoy music and merriment with a Celtic flare as they enjoy entertainment throughout the village. For tickets and information, visit rennfest.com.
Monday, Sept. 16
La Ti Do presents Sarah Anne Sillers from 8-10 p.m. tonight at Le Mirch (1736 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). LTD, winner of the D.C. Metro theater arts special award and named Broadway World D.C.’s best cabaret, presents an evening of Jazz performances by Sara Anne Sillers and spotlight feature, Eric Brooks. Guest performers include Rebecca Cooley, Hannah Gilberstadt, Erin Granfield, Michael Santos Sandoval and more. Hosted by Don Michael Mendoza and Anya Randall Nebel. General admission is $20 at the door. More information available at brown paper tickets.com.
Tuesday, Sept. 17
The Sapphire Sapphos: 40 Years Later is tonight 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Shaw library (1630 7th St., N.W.). Founded in late 1979, this group was D.C.’s first ongoing political, social and cultural group for black lesbians. A panel discussion features past president Tania Abdulahad as she and former members reflect on the organization’s cultural and historical significance. The event is free and open to all but space is limited. Register on eventbrite.com.
The B-52s – 40th Anniversary Tour with guests Orchestral Manoevers in the Dark and Berlin starts at 8 p.m. tonight at The Anthem (901 Wharf St., S.W.). These three chart-topping ’80s bands will thrill fans with hits including the B-52’s “Love Shack,” OMD’s “If You leave” and Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away.” Tickets and information on ticketmaster.com.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
The DC9 (1940 9th St., N.W.) hosts Astronomy on Tap tonight. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Show starts at 8 and features professional astronomers giving short, engaging talks, prize giveaways and merchandise, including exclusive pint glasses and t-shirts, available for a small donation. Line up includes “How Stars Live and Die” by Liz Landau of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, “Astronomy on a Rocket” by Nick Thomas of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, “Jupiter Exposed” by Rahul Patel of CNA Corporation, space-inspired songs by Liz Landau, astronomy bingo, and rooftop stargazing, weather permitting. For more information, visit dc9.club.
Thursday, Sept. 19
LGBT! #ShowUp4DC is today from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Rayburn House Office Building, and is hosted by the D.C. Center, Capital Pride, DCHomos, Go Gay D.C., HRC and the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs. This event is to support H.R. 51, the D.C. Statehood Bill, scheduled for hearing today. Supporters state Congress made statehood an LGBT issue when blocking needle exchange programs and medical marijuana during the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Current D.C. Council legislation facing possible Congressional interference include LGBT Older Americans and Older People with HIV Act and the Gay and Trans Panic Defense Bill. Visit showup4dc.com for more information.
Friday, January 23
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at noon at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Saturday, January 24
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.
Black Lesbian Support Group will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black lesbian. You do not need to be a member of the Beta Kappa Chapter or the Beta Phi Omega Sorority in order to join, but they do ask that you either identify as a lesbian or are questioning that aspect of your identity. For more details, email [email protected].
Monday, January 26
“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]).
Queer Book Club will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This month’s books are “The Nightmare Before Kissmas” by Sara Raasch and “Transgender History” by Susan Stryker. For more details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, January 27
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
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 that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Wednesday, January 28
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.
Asexual and Aromantic Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. Currently, this group is a meeting place for both identities, but we realize that as time passes, the groups may choose to host individual meetings.For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, January 29
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work 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.
Out & About
Love board games and looking for love?
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.
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.
