Photos

The year in photos

Top LGBTQ news photos of 2023

Published

2 years ago

December 30, 2023

From left: U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler is sworn in at the U.S. Capitol; gay actors Jonathan Bailey and Matt Bomer attend the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner; Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi throws out the first pitch at the Night Out at the Nationals game; and "RuPaul's Drag Race" winner Sasha Colby performs at Pitchers DC. (Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

**Dan Bear** wins the title of Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather on Jan. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill.

*President **Joe Biden** gives his State of the Union Address on Feb. 7 at the U.S. Capitol.*

*Cupid’s Undie Run, an annual fundraiser for neurofibromatosis (NF) research, is held at Union Stage at The Wharf DC on Feb. 11.*

*The 50th anniversary Scarlet’s Bake Sale is held at The Crucible on Feb. 12. Participants bid on baked goods and bottles of liquor to raise money for HIPS.*

*Drag personalities and local bar scene workers pay their respects for the legendary drag queen Ba’Naka, a.k.a. Dustin Michael Schaad, at a celebration of life event on Feb. 25 at Pitchers.*

*‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ season three contestant **Mariah Paris Balenciaga** performs at Kiki on March 5.*

*Hundreds of activists participated in the March for Queer & Trans Youth Autonomy from Union Station to the U.S. Capitol on March 31.*

*Television personality **Carson Kressley** emcees the RuPaul’s Drag Race Finale Viewing Party at Bunker on April 14.*

**Sasha Colby**, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15, performs at Pitchers on April 19.

Annie’s Paramount Steak House holds a 75th anniversary party complete with a block party, games and entertainment on April 29.

*The annual Gay Day at Zoo is held at the Smithsonian National Zoo on May 7.*

Us Helping Us holds the annual Black Pride in the Park at Fort Dupont Park on May 29.

*Gay D.C. Councilmember **Zachary Parker** speaks at a ceremony raising the Progress Flag over the D.C. Government’s Wilson Building at the beginning of Pride month on June 1.*

*Speaker Emerita **Nancy Pelosi** throws out the first pitch at Nationals Park for Night Out at the Nationals on June 6.*

**Evry Pleasure** leads a Barbie party at Red Bear Brewing on July 14.

*Students, educators and advocates march against the anti-trans policies of Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin in Falls Church, Va. on Aug. 15.*

Thousands participate in the 60th Anniversary March on Washington on Aug. 26.

*U.S. Sen. **Laphonza Butler** (D-Calif.) is sworn into office on Oct. 3. She is the first openly gay Black U.S. Senator to hold office.*

Gay actors **Jonathan Bailey** and **Matt Bomer** attend the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Oct. 14.

*D.C. Safe Haven organizes a Transgender Day of Remembrance rally at Freedom Plaza on Nov. 17.*

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PHOTOS: Whitman-Walker Gala

LGBTQ community health organization holds annual event at Ritz-Carlton

Published

13 hours ago

November 14, 2025

Michael Key

Whitman-Walker Health CEO Naseema Shafi speaks at the Whitman-Walker 2025 Gala on Wednesday, Nov. 14. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Whitman-Walker 2025 Gala was held at the Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Photos

PHOTOS: Miss Gay Mid-Atlantic America

Victoria Bohmore crowned in regional pageant held at Freddie’s Beach Bar

Published

5 days ago

November 10, 2025

Michael Key

Victoria Bohmore is crowned Miss Gay Mid-Atlantic America 2025 at Freddie's Beach Bar in Arlington, Va. on Friday, Nov. 7. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The 2025 Miss Gay Mid-Atlantic America Pageant was held at Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington, Va. on Friday, Nov. 7. Victoria Bohmore was crowned the winner, with Lady Lords named first alternate. Bohmore and Lords both qualify to compete against the winners of the Miss Gay Maryland America Pageant as well as other state and regional title holders from across the nation at the Miss Gay America Pageant in January.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)