Photos
PHOTOS: High Heel Race
36th annual drag event draws thousands to 17th Street
The 36th annual High Heel Race was held on 17th Street at Frank Kameny Way on Tuesday, Oct. 24. Thousands of spectators came to watch drag queens and other costumed contestants strut in a parade and run in a race. Rayceen Pendarvis served as the emcee and Karamo Brown was a special guest on the stage. Participant John Kim won the race for the third time.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, as she has for the high heel race in past years during her administration, greeted the crowd from a stage set up at 17th and R Streets before giving the official signal to start the race. She noted that this was the 36th year that the high heel race has been held in the Dupont Circle neighborhood and said it highlighted her view that D.C. is the nation’s “gayest” city.
The mayor was joined on stage by four members of the D.C. Council, who also welcomed the crowd with brief remarks. Among them were Council Chair Phil Mendelson (D-At-Large), and Council members Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), Matthew Frumin (D-Ward 3), and Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5). Parker is the Council’s only gay member.
Also joining the mayor on stage was Japer Bowles, director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, and Acting D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith, who Bowser nominated to become chief earlier this year while naming her acting chief.
“This has been an amazing event,” Smith told the Washington Blade at the conclusion of the race. “This is my first year, and it is phenomenal, it’s unique and as the mayor said, we are the gayest city in the United States and I’m proud to be here to celebrate with my friends.”
Lou Chibbaro, Jr. contributed to this report.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Covering the High Heel Race for @WashBlade . @shiqueeta performing. #drag #HighHeelRace pic.twitter.com/K9aXfdq3Az
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) October 24, 2023
Annual High Heel Race draws thousands of spectators. Covering for @WashBlade : pic.twitter.com/TdjAJ2VsFW
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) October 25, 2023
Photos
PHOTOS: GLSEN Respect Awards
Marcia Gay Harden presented with Advocate Award in New York City ceremony
The LGBTQ advocacy organization GLSEN held its annual Respect Awards at Gotham Hall in New York City on April 29. Special guests included Billy Porter, Wilson Cruz, Nathan Lee Graham and Anthony Rapp. The evening included a live performance by The Scarlet Opera. Peppermint of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” served as host. Marcia Gay Harden was presented with the Advocate Award.
(Photos by Andrew Werner)
The DC Center for the LGBTQ Community, SMYAL and Rainbow Families sponsored Gay Day at the Zoo on Sunday at the Smithsonian National Zoo. The Smithsonian observed International Family Equality Day with special exhibits and an event space.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Covering Gay Day at the Zoo for @WashBlade . Here at @NationalZooDC pic.twitter.com/LqgGNOOAiM
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) May 5, 2024
Photos
PHOTOS: Taste of Point
Annual fundraiser held for LGBTQ youth scholarship, mentorship organization
The Point Foundation held its annual Taste of Point fundraiser at Room & Board on May 2.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Trone, Alsobrooks battle it out in Md.
Tel Aviv authorities cancel Pride parade
EXCLUSIVE: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on speaking out and showing up
Vladimir Putin takes office for fifth term as Russia’s president
Billy Porter, Keke Palmer, Ava Max to perform at Capital Pride
PHOTOS: Gay Day at the Zoo
Trone discusses transgender niece
Tel Aviv authorities cancel Pride parade
200 turn out for ’Love Fest’ Drag Story Hour at Freddie’s
