Category Archives: dc agenda

GMCW gears up for ‘Xanadu’ next weekend

GMCW, Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, Xanadu, gay news, Washington Blade

(Image courtesy Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington)

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington puts on a all-male version of “Xanadu” at Lisner Auditorium (730 21st St., NW) on March 15-16 at 8 p.m. with a matinee performance on March 17 at 3 p.m.

The show is based on the 1980 romantic film starring Olivia Newton-John. The main character Kira, a Greek muse, is sent to California with a mission: to inspire men. She inspires the creative genius of the film to create the world’s first roller disco.

Tickets are $20-$55. For more information, visit gmcw.org.

Local artists have works in Old Town Alexandria auction

Oregon Waterfall, Tony Frye, art, gay news, Washington Blade

‘Oregon Waterfall,’ by Tony Frye, one of the items slated to be auctioned off in Old Town Alexandria this weekend. Frye and several other local gay artists are participating. (Image courtesy of Tony Frye)

The Vander Zee Gallery (105 S. Lee St.) hosts its eighth annual Art Auction on Saturday night at 6 p.m.

The auction will feature paintings by Rob Vander Zee and about 25 local artists known as the Vander Zee Gallery Painters. The evening will include a silent auction throughout the evening, a live auction at 8 p.m. and final bids will be taken at 9 p.m. Rob Vander Zee, owner/teacher of the gallery, is gay as are several of the artists.

All cash, personal checks and credit cards are accepted. For more information, visit vanderzeeart.com.

GMCW gets hitched with wedding-themed show

Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, My Big Fat Gay Wedding, gay news, Washington Blade

(Image courtesy of GMCW)

Gay Men’s Chorus holds its concert “My Big Fat Gay Wedding” at Lisner Auditorium (730 21st St., NW) Saturday night at 8 p.m.

The show invites the audience to celebrate love while witnessing a real on-stage wedding with the Chorus and 1,300 of their closes friends. There will be several love songs from Broadway. Party favors and cake will be provided in the lobby.

Tickets are $25 to $50. For more information, visit gmcw.org.

Gay author Peck mines history for new book

Garrett Peck (Blade photo by Michael Key)

Garrett Peck (Blade photo by Michael Key)

Local gay author Garrett Peck is releasing his fourth book “The Smithsonian Castle and the Seneca Quarry” about the long forgotten quarry that provided the redstone for the Castle and other buildings in the area. To celebrate its release, Peck will be providing several events around the region, including readings and a walking tour.

• Seneca Quarry Tour starting at the C&O Canal’s Seneca Aqueduct (located at the end of Riley’s Lock Road, Poolesville) Saturday morning at 11 a.m. Attendees are asked to RSVP on the Facebook event page.

• Georgetown Neighborhood Library (3260 R St., NW) hosts Peck at the George Peabody Lecture in the library’s Peabody Room on Thursday evening 6:30 p.m.

• Politics and Prose (5015 Connecticut Ave., NW) holds a book talk and a signing beginning at 5 p.m. on Feb. 24.

• The Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital (921 Pennsylvania Ave., SE) hosts a talk by Peck and will feature his photos from prior book “The Potomac River” and “The Smithsonian Castle and the Seneca Quarry” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28. To register for this event, visit hillcenterdc.org.

• Peck will host a Seneca-Quarry Tour on March 2 starting at the Seneca Aqueduct (at the end of Riley’s Lock Rd., Poolesville) at 1 p.m. After there will be a book party at the Rockland’s Farm (14525 Montevideo Rd., Poolesville) starting at 3:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to RSVP on the Facebook event.

• There will be another Seneca Quarry Tour for Politics & Prose patrons on March 16 at 1 p.m.

• Potomac Riverkeeper, one of the leading advocates for a clean, healthy river, hosts a talk about the quarry at 6:30 p.m. on March 28 at 1100 15th St., NW, 11th Floor. Registration details will follow.

• Peck will appear at the Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 18. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gaithersburg City Hall Grounds (31 S. Summit Ave., Gaithersburg).

For more information, visit garrettpeck.com.

Shi Queeta-Lee returns to the Howard

Shi-Queeta-Lee, Drag Salute, gay news, Washington Blade

Shi-Queeta-Lee hosts her ‘Drag Salute’ shows every other month at the refurbished Howard. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

A Drag Valentine Salute comes to the Howard Theatre (620 T St., NW) Monday night at 8 p.m.

The show was created and directed by cast member Shi Queeta-Lee, who has been featured on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” ABC’s “Ugly Betty” and reality shows “Drag City: DC” and “R&B Divas.” The show is a revue of legendary performers Rihanna, Adele and Whitney Houston with the best female impersonators in the area.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the show. For more information, visit thehowardtheatre.com.

How out is safe?

‘Family Pride: What LGBT Families Should Know about Navigating Home, School, and Safety in Their Neighborhoods’
By Michael Shelton
Beacon Press
$16
240 pages

Family Pride, books, gay news, Washington Blade, COLAGE

‘Family Pride‘ by Michael Shelton

At your house, the door’s always open.

You love having a big group around your table any time; in fact, the more, the merrier. Family and friends never hesitate to stop by because you’ll make room for them no matter what. They’re always welcome. They know that.

The door’s always open, but it’s also closed.

You’re an LGBT family, and that creates some sticky issues. Whom do you tell and what’s safe to say? How do you protect your children? You may get a little guidance on that by reading “Family Pride” by Michael Shelton.

Your family is just like everybody else’s. Almost.

You like the same foods and TV programs, wear the same clothes, drive the same streets and laugh at the same stupid things. The only difference between you and the other families in your neighborhood is that you’re gay. You’re also in good company: a third of lesbians and one of five gay men are parents.

Still, almost half of your neighbors think they have nothing in common with you.

Pop culture, don’t-tell behavior and mythology are partly to blame for that: it’s widely (and erroneously) believed, for example, that most LGBT households are affluent, white, highly educated and only found in urban areas. Lesbian single mothers often keep their lives hidden to protect their children. Rural and small-town LGBT families are thought not to exist.

The general truth is that what researchers know about same-sex parents is “not necessarily accurate.” This is exacerbated by what Shelton says is “passing,” or telling a white lie or a lie of omission in order to maintain discretion within the community. “Passing,” therefore, avoids full disclosure, which may be undesirable for reasons of discrimination, bullying or downright danger.

There are, of course, impacts on the children for “passing,” just like there are for coming out (which, says Shelton, should be a “process”). Children in an LGBT family can’t be raised like every other kid because they’re not like other kids. Still, they should know the truth about their parents, they can be taught the fine art of discretion without lying and they should be taught that straight people are not the enemy.

I struggled a lot with what’s inside “Family Pride.”

I liked that LGBT parents will find a lot of information in this book: information on diversity, studies, challenges and services that can help to meet those challenges. Author Michael Shelton includes case studies and first-person accounts to support his facts and they’re quite interesting to read.

I fear, however, that what you’ll find may be old news. Anyone living as a gay man or a lesbian is likely already aware of laws, services and harassment. They know how and where to seek help. They don’t need a book to tell them the statistics.

Therefore, overall, I think that the audience for this book lies in newly created LGBT families or allies wishing to understand or lend a hand. “Family Pride” will be helpful for them, but established LGBT families probably needn’t bother to open it.

Equality Va. heading south to Richmond

Equality Virginia, Washington Blade, gay news

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Equality Virginia holds its Day of Action at the Library of Virginia (800 E. Broad St.) in Richmond on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.

Day of Action brings together more than 200 members and activists from across the state, inspiring LGBT and allied Virginians to create positive change. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet legislators and discuss bills important to the LGBT community and to attend workshops hosted by top attorneys and fellow activists.

Registration ranges from free to $12, depending on which package is purchased. For more information, visit equalityvirginia.org.

Inauguration and more planned for MLK weekend

Presidential Inauguration, Washington Blade, gay news, United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps

2009 Presidential Inauguration Parade (Washington Blade file photo by Henry Linser)

Inauguration events galore planned for weekend

If you’re excited about the upcoming inauguration but have nowhere to go, here are a few parties happening over the weekend that will celebrate the inauguration in full LGBT fashion:

  • Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League and the D.C. Center host the 2013 Youth Inaugural Ball tonight at 6 p.m. at THEARC Community Center (1901 Mississippi Ave., SE). The party includes free food and drinks, including Chipotle burritos, a photo booth, a DJ and exciting performances. There will also be free and confidential HIV testing. Attendees are asked to “dress to impress.” The ball is open to youths between the ages 13-21. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
  • Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts DJ Hector Fonseca for the Inaugural Party Saturday night 10. Cover is $8 before 11 p.m. and $12 after. For more information, visit towndc.com.
  • Human Rights Campaign hosts a cocktail reception for supporters and leaders in town for the inaugural events Sunday at 6 p.m. at Number Nine (1435 P St., NW). For more information, visit action.hrc.org.
  • Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) hosts “Barack Obash” presented by DW Promotions tonight at 10 p.m. There will be a special surprise guest. A free buffet will be provided. Cover is $10. For more information, visit bachelorsmill.com.

MLK Freedom Walk slated for Saturday

To celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, Washington will host the 35th MLK’s Peace and Freedom Walk Saturday morning beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The first walk is the Freedom Walk beginning at Lansburgh Park. Assemble time is 7:30 a.m. Departure time is 8:45 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to make signs reflecting “peace.” For more information, email freedomwalkdc@gmail.com.

The next site is the “Peace Walk,” which begins at 2500 MLK Ave., SE. It departs at 10 a.m. Those who do not want to do the “Freedom Walk” can meet at this site at 8:30 a.m. For more information, visit info@mlkholidaydc.org.

The final destination is Shepard Park where the walkers will arrive at noon. Those who won’t walk may arrive at 10:30 a.m. for the program agenda. For more information, visit mlkholidaydc.org.

Inauguration and more planned for MLK weekend

Presidential Inauguration, Washington Blade, gay news, United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps

2009 Presidential Inauguration Parade (Washington Blade file photo by Henry Linser)

Inauguration events galore planned for weekend

If you’re excited about the upcoming inauguration but have nowhere to go, here are a few parties happening over the weekend that will celebrate the inauguration in full LGBT fashion:

  • Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League and the D.C. Center host the 2013 Youth Inaugural Ball tonight at 6 p.m. at THEARC Community Center (1901 Mississippi Ave., SE). The party includes free food and drinks, including Chipotle burritos, a photo booth, a DJ and exciting performances. There will also be free and confidential HIV testing. Attendees are asked to “dress to impress.” The ball is open to youths between the ages 13-21. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
  • Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts DJ Hector Fonseca for the Inaugural Party Saturday night 10. Cover is $8 before 11 p.m. and $12 after. For more information, visit towndc.com.
  • Human Rights Campaign hosts a cocktail reception for supporters and leaders in town for the inaugural events Sunday at 6 p.m. at Number Nine (1435 P St., NW). For more information, visit action.hrc.org.
  • Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) hosts “Barack Obash” presented by DW Promotions tonight at 10 p.m. There will be a special surprise guest. A free buffet will be provided. Cover is $10. For more information, visit bachelorsmill.com.

MLK Freedom Walk slated for Saturday

To celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, Washington will host the 35th MLK’s Peace and Freedom Walk Saturday morning beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The first walk is the Freedom Walk beginning at Lansburgh Park. Assemble time is 7:30 a.m. Departure time is 8:45 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to make signs reflecting “peace.” For more information, email freedomwalkdc@gmail.com.

The next site is the “Peace Walk,” which begins at 2500 MLK Ave., SE. It departs at 10 a.m. Those who do not want to do the “Freedom Walk” can meet at this site at 8:30 a.m. For more information, visit info@mlkholidaydc.org.

The final destination is Shepard Park where the walkers will arrive at noon. Those who won’t walk may arrive at 10:30 a.m. for the program agenda. For more information, visit mlkholidaydc.org.

Calendar through Jan. 24

WTF, Town Danceboutique, gay news, Washington Blade, LGBT nightlife, gay bar

WTF at Town Danceboutique (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

TODAY, Friday, Jan. 18

Club Heaven (2327 18 St., NW) hosts the inaugural launch party for Indie Adams Morgan, a local indie music series, featuring the band Ten Feet Tall, Chrissi Poland from The Scissor Sisters and Caleb Hawley from “American Idol” tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information, email indieadamsmorgan@gmail.com.

Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd., Vienna) hosts Christopher Cross in the Barns tonight at 8 p.m. and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. Cross brings his fusion of rock and pop together that created his Grammy winning song “Ride like the Wind.” For more information, visit wolftrap.org.

Whitman-Walker Health offers free HIV testing at Town (2009 8th St., NW) tonight from 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.

The Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) hosts “Dr. Who Happy Hour” tonight at 7. There will be one episode of Dr. Who and drink specials. Admission is free. For details, visit blackcatdc.com.

Phase 1 (528 8th St. SE) has its weekly dance party with DJ Jay Von Teese tonight starting at 7:30. Cover is $10. For more information, visit phase1dc.com.

Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts Bear Happy Hour tonight from 6-11 p.m. This event is for people 21 and older. There is no cover charge. For details, visit towndc.com.

The Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) is having its happy hour tonight starting at 5 p.m. All drinks are half off until 7:30 p.m. After 9 p.m., admission is $10. The dance floor opens at 11 with DJ Tim-Nice and DJ Cameron. For details, visit thebachelorsmill.com.

Saturday, Jan. 19

Center Women, women from the D.C. Center, will have an outreach table at BARE at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W) tonight from 10 p.m. to midnight. BARE is a monthly dance party for women. First shift of volunteers will meet at 8 p.m. at D.C. Center (1318 U St., NW) to collect materials and then go to the club. The second shift begins at 10 and goes to midnight. If you are interested in volunteering, visit thedccenter.org. For more information about the party, visit cobaltdc.com.

Burgundy Crescent volunteers with the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation at the Petsmart in Falls Church (6100 Arlington Blvd.) today between 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers will be dog handlers for their adoption events. Each volunteer will be given a dog to be walk around the property and will be given basic information about the dog for people who ask. For more information, visit burgundycrescent.org.

Special Agent Galactica comes to Freddie’s Beach Bar (555 23rd St. S Arlington) tonight 8 p.m. The show features jazz and rock songs including music from Led Zeppelin, Romantics, Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, the Rolling Stones, Jefferson Airplane and Elton John. There is no cover for this event. For more information visit pinkhairedone.com.

The Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) hosts “Hellmouth Happy Hour” where attendees watch one episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” with drink specials. Cover is free and doors open at 7 p.m. For more information, visit blackcatdc.com.

Sunday, Jan. 20

Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts “WTF: Glitter Ball,” described as the gayest inauguration party ever. Two floors will be open; DJs Kennan Orr, Aaorn Riggins and Ed Bailey will be doing the music; seven performers will be out on the floors with lots of glitter. Doors open at 10 and cover is $5. For more information, visit towndc.com.

Monday, Jan. 21

Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., NW) holds its HIV+ Newly Diagnosed Support Group tonight at 7. It is a confidential support group for anyone recently diagnosed with HIV and the group welcomes all genders and sexual orientations. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.

Banana Café (500 8th St., SE) has its karaoke night from 7 p.m. to closing. Admission is free. For more information, visit bananacafedc.com.

An Arc of Justice rally and parade is planned for today at 9 a.m. at Malcolm X Park at 16th and Euclid Street, N.W. The march, which starts at 10 a.m., will go to K and 15th streets N.W.

Organizers are calling the event a “determined but hopeful expression of our concern and dissent against the wars, occupations, loss of civil liberties, overwhelming corporate and big money power” and more. An LGBT contingent is planned so bring rainbow flags, issue signs, etc. E-mail to arcofjustice2013@gmail.com for full details.

Tuesday, Jan. 22

Whitman Walker offers free HIV testing at Panam Supermarket (3552 14th St., NW) today from 4-7:30 p.m. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.

Whitman-Walker (1701 14th St., NW) holds its group Starting Over for Women tonight at 7. The group is for women whose long-term relationship with another woman. Registration is required. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.

Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) hosts its Safer Sex Kit-packing program tonight from 7-10:30. The packing program is looking for more volunteers to help produce the kits because they say they are barely keeping up with demand. Admission is free and volunteers can just show up. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

Wednesday, Jan. 23

Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., NW) holds its HIV+ Newly Diagnosed Support Group tonight at 7. It is a confidential support group for anyone recently diagnosed with HIV and the group welcomes all genders and sexual orientations. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.

The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., SE) at 7:30 p.m. for duplicate bridge. Newcomers are welcome and no reservations are needed. For more information or if you need a partner, visit lambdabridge.com.

Thursday, Jan. 24

The HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STI and TB Administration of the D.C. Department of Health presents “Enhanced Comprehensive HIV Prevention Planning Activities” today from noon to 1 p.m. at HAHSTA (899 North Capitol St., NE). For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., NW) holds its gay men over 50 support group this evening at 6:30 p.m. The group is for gay men entering a new phase of life. Registration is required to attend. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.

Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W) is hosting its weekly Best Package Contest tonight at 9 p.m. There is a $3 cover and there are $2 vodka drinks. Participants in the contest can win $200 in cash prizes. The event is hosted by Lena Lett and music by DJ Chord, DJ Madscience, and DJ Sean Morris. For details, visit cobaltdc.com.