Arts & Entertainment
Top 10 events this week for LGBTQ DC
From sporting events and drag shows to Gay Day at the Zoo, there is so much to see and do!
Below are our picks for some of the most fun and creative things to do this week in D.C. that are of special interest to the LGBTQ community.
DC Gaymer Towerfall Tournament
Tuesday, April 26
7 – 10 p.m.
UPROAR Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook | Discord
A live TowerFall Ascension Tournament is open to players at UPROAR on Tuesday organized by DC Gaymers. Expect a 2-4 player 8-bit arrow-shooting free-for-all in a friendly bracketed competition.
The Palace Presents: Broadway Beauties
Tuesday, April 26
Doors 8:30 p.m./Show 9 p.m.
Earp’s Ordinary
3950 University Drive, Suite 210
Fairfax, Va.
$15 cover
Facebook | Instagram
“Phantoms and witches, founding fathers and desperate widows, we’ve got ’em all” at the Fairfax drag show at Earp’s Ordinary on Tuesday. Performers include Alan Xtra, Nutz N Boltz and Lemon X Fluiditea with host Mas Vusi.
Queerxpression Open Mic
Thursday, April 28
Doors 5 p.m./Show 8-10 p.m.
A League of Her Own
2317 18th Street, N.W.
No cover / 21+ / vaccination required
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“Express yourself through art!” at a spoken word, music and storytelling open mic event at the lesbian/queer bar A League of Her Own hosted by Barbi Larue.
Miss Gay Western Maryland
Friday, April 29
Doors 8 p.m./Pageant 9:30 p.m.
The Lodge
21614 National Pike
Boonsboro, Md.
$8 cover
Facebook | Website
Watch “Reborn,” the official preliminary competition for Miss Gay Maryland, at The Lodge on Friday. The event stars the current Miss Gay Maryland Miranda Rights.
DC Brau 11th Anniversary Party
Saturday, April 30
12 p.m.
DC Brau
3178 Bladensburg Road, N.E., Suite B.
$30-$35 / 21+
Eventbrite | Twitter
DC Brau celebrates 11 years in the District with live music, food trucks, beer releases and professional wrestling at their “11 Years of Brew-Tality” party.
Gay Day at the Zoo Opening Party
Saturday, April 30
4-7 p.m.
Trade
1410 14th Street, N.W.
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The opening party for Gay Day at the Zoo will be held at Trade, complete with drink specials and Gay Day at the Zoo swag. Expect drag performances from Haute Dish and the combined queens of the Blue Ballers and Swallows Stonewall Kickball teams.
All-Stars After-Party
Saturday, April 30
4-8 p.m.
UPROAR Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook
Join the Stonewall Kickball players for a party following the All-Stars Game at UPROAR Lounge.
Wedding Party: Bearded Brides & Beer
Saturday, April 30
8-11 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
21+
Facebook
The Wedding Party: Bearded Brides and Beer is a fundraiser for the LGBTQ youth services organization SMYAL with performances by Bootsy Omega, Charlemagne Chateau, Citrine, Domingø, Molasses and Stealya Manz.
Gay Day at the Zoo
Sunday, May 1
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Free, tickets required
Facebook | Twitter | Website
The annual Gay Day at the Zoo is presented by the DC Center for the LGBTQ Community. Some groups, like Khush DC, are hosting meet-ups for specific times, but many people will come with their friends and family at their own pace. While it is free to attend, tickets are required for entry, so be sure to snatch your day pass before the tickets are sold out.
For free tickets, go to the Zoo’s website.
Zodiac Drag Contest
Sunday, May 1
8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar & Grill
555 23rd Street South
Arlington, Va.
$5 cover / 21+ / vaccination required
Facebook
The monthly amateur drag contest “Miss Zodiac” will be held on Sunday at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Grill in Crystal City.
If you would like to let us know about an upcoming event, email [email protected] with details.
a&e features
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
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Intersex lives, constitutional freedom, and the dangerous future of Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill
Doc on Blade reporter Chibbaro scores Emmy nomination
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HIV Vaccine Awareness Day set for May 18
‘The Inheritance’ is most-nominated at this year’s Helen Hayes Awards
Calendar: May 15-21
United Night Out set for Saturday
