The year in photos

From a pandemic to protests, 2020 is one for the history books

Published

5 years ago

December 30, 2020

Michael Key

From a pandemic to protests, 2020 is one for the history books.

**Monet Dupree** performs at Freddie’s Follies at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Gill on Jan. 13 at a time before the concept of ‘social distancing.’

**David Spivey** is named ‘Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2020’ on Jan. 17.

Members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington perform at the Brother, Help Thyself Foundation Grant Awards ceremony in the now-shuttered DC Eagle.

Virginia Gov. **Ralph Northam** attends an Equality Virginia event on Feb. 4 in Richmond celebrating the impending passage of the Virginia Values Act in the Virginia General Assembly.

The Washington Blade holds its annual Most Eligible LGBT Singles party at Duplex Diner on Feb. 14.

Mayor **Pete Buttigieg** makes a presidential campaign stop in Northern Virginia on Feb. 23.

Rep. **Mark Takano** (D-Calif.) speaks at a congressional hearing on LGBT rights on Feb. 27.

Gay Trump supporter **Brandon Straka** speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Feb. 28.

As life with COVID-19 became a new reality, someone erected a “HOPE” sign in Winchester, Va.

The streets and restaurants of the gayborhood were empty by March 17 as new COVID-19 restrictions were put in place.

**Ruby Corado** has her temperature checked before entering the Casa Ruby community center on May 8.

Riots broke out in the streets of D.C. on May 31 following the murder of George Floyd.

A peaceful Black Lives Matter protest was held at Black Lives Matter Plaza on June 6.

The activist group No Justice No Pride organized a ‘Defund MPD’ march and protest on June 13.

The No Justice No Pride ‘Defund MPD’ march ended in a protest in front of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s home.

A makeshift memorial was created in front of the United States Supreme Court following the death of Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Signs mourning the loss of trans women of color were among those on the White House fence on election day, Nov. 3.

A ‘Make America Great Again’ pro-Trump mega rally was held on the streets of D.C. Protesters included Gays for Trump.

A series of new coronavirus restrictions threaten the future of LGBT businesses.

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Published

18 hours ago

May 24, 2026

Michael Key

Durand Bernarr performs at the 2026 DC Black Pride Opening Reception on Friday, May 22. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The DC Black Pride Opening Reception was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Friday, May 22. Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr was the headline performer. Comedian Anthony Oakes was the host. Speakers included Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson and Center For Black Equity President Kenya Hutton, as well as speakers from health organizations and sponsors. The event featured performances from Billy the Goat, Jay Columbus, Akeem Woods, Rue Pratt, Be Steadwell and Bennu Byrd.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: Black Pride Pageant and Unity Ball

Back-to-back events held on first night of D.C. Black Pride

Published

2 days ago

May 23, 2026

Landon Shackelford

The 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Schackelford)

The Mr. and Miss DC Black Pride Pageant was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. Following the pageant, Black Pride events continued with the 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)