As Pride Month unfolds in June, a series of exciting events aimed at the LGBTQ+ community are scheduled in Washington, D.C. The DC Center for the LGBT Community is at the forefront of these celebrations, providing a platform for social connection, support, and advocacy throughout the month.
Kicking off on Friday, June 20, the “Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will welcome older LGBTQ+ adults for a social hour at 12 p.m. The event will take place in-person at the DC Center, where guests are encouraged to bring their preferred beverages. Individuals interested in learning more about this gathering can contact [email protected].
Later in the evening, a Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will provide an opportunity for participants to unwind and enjoy games. Set for 6 p.m. at the DC Center, attendees are welcome to bring their own games to share. More information can be accessed on the DC Center’s website.
At 7 p.m. the same evening, Go Gay DC will host an “LGBTQ+ Pride Month Social In The City” at Hotel Zena. The event promises to be a great way to make new connections and build community amidst a fun atmosphere with an extended happy hour. Attendance is free, with further details available on Eventbrite.
The following day, Saturday, June 21, Go Gay DC will host an “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This casual weekly event is open to the DMV area’s LGBTQ+ community and allies for a delightful culinary experience and conversations. Participation is free, with additional details found on Eventbrite.
In the evening, at 7 p.m., the LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will convene on Zoom to offer a safe space for discussion and connection among LGBTQ People of Color. Participants can enjoy various activities from movie nights to poetry readings in a welcoming environment. More information can be found at thedccenter.org/poc or on their Facebook page.
On Sunday, June 22, Out Professionals will host “Here To Stay: Transgender Trailblazer History” at 3:30 p.m. online. Led by Professor Andrew Lear, this event will delve into the historic narratives surrounding transgender and nonbinary individuals. The event will also pay tribute to Marsha P. Johnson, a pioneering figure in the transgender rights movement. Free attendance is offered, with details available on Eventbrite.
Earlier that day, a “Walking Tour: Over the Rainbow” is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at Farragut Square. This unique walking tour focuses on the Feminist history as viewed through a queer lens and aims to shed light on D.C.’s significant role in the LGBTQ+ community. Tickets for this tour are priced at $111 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
On Monday, June 23, the “Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” will take place at 10 a.m. on Zoom, encouraging older LGBTQ adults to gather for engaging discussions. Interested participants should feel free to bring their favorite beverages. Additional details are available by contacting [email protected].
Tuesday, June 24 will see two dynamic events scheduled at 7 p.m. The first is Genderqueer DC, a support group for non-binary individuals held on Zoom, catering to those identifying outside of the gender binary. More information is available at genderqueerdc.org or their Facebook page.
Simultaneously, a Coming Out Discussion Group will also be held at 7 p.m. on Zoom, offering a supportive space for individuals to share their coming-out experiences and related discussions. Additional information can be found on their group’s Facebook.
On Wednesday, June 25, the Job Club will meet at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This program focuses on supporting job seekers and those who have been unemployed long-term, aiming to enhance their confidence, motivation, and overall job search skills. For further information, reach out via email at [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Later, at 7 p.m. on Zoom, an Asexual and Aromantic Support Group will meet, creating a welcoming environment for those questioning or identifying as asexual or aromantic. Attendees are encouraged to share their experiences and insights. For more details, interested individuals can contact [email protected].
Thursday, June 26 will feature the DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program throughout the day, where selected participants will receive fresh produce boxes. Applicants will be notified via email by Wednesday at 5 p.m. No proof of residency or income is required. For inquiries, reach out to [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
A Virtual Yoga session with Charles M. is also slated for 7 p.m. on Zoom, providing a complimentary weekly class centered on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. More details are available on the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
Prior to this event-filled weekend, Friday, June 13 will include more gatherings, such as the “Center Aging Friday Tea Time” at 2 p.m. Hosted in person at the DC Center’s new location, this event serves as a social gathering for older LGBTQ adults. More details are obtainable at [email protected].
In the evening, Women in Their Twenties and Thirties will gather at 8 p.m. at Wundergarten, where updates about the location will be posted prior to the event. The group encourages attendees to look for a Pride flag to easily identify their table. Further information is accessible via WiTT’s closed Facebook group.
Go Gay DC will also hold an “LGBTQ+ Community Pride Month Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. Designed for networking and community bonding, this free event offers numerous opportunities for professional connections. More details can be found on Eventbrite.
The next day, Saturday, June 14, will continue the celebrations as Go Gay DC hosts the “LGBTQ+ Community Pride Month Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This weekly brunch connects the LGBTQ+ community and allies for delightful food and conversation and is free to attend, with details available on Eventbrite.
Later in the evening, the Rainbow History Project will present a unique event, “Behind the Scenes With the Senior Curator of ‘Pickets, Protests and Parades'” at 7:30 p.m. at Freedom Plaza. Participants will enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process behind the showcase of D.C.’s LGBTQ+ history, with tickets available for $82 on Eventbrite.
On Monday, June 16, the “Center Aging Monday Coffee Klatch” is set to take place at 10 a.m. on Zoom, furthering social opportunities for older LGBTQ adults. Participants are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice and for more information, contact [email protected].
Later that same day at 7 p.m., Genderqueer DC will meet in-person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community, inviting individuals identifying outside of the gender binary to bond and support one another. More information can be accessed at genderqueerdc.org or via their Facebook page.
Tuesday, June 17 will include a Bi+ Roundtable and Discussion at 7 p.m. on Zoom, focusing on issues relevant to the bisexual community. This gathering aims to provide a private and safe environment to discuss bisexual identities and experiences, with further details available on their social media.
Programming continues on Wednesday, June 18, when Job Club meets at 6 p.m. on Zoom. The session will emphasize job seeking and support for individuals experiencing unemployment. For additional information, contact [email protected] or check thedccenter.org/careers.
Additionally, “Legends Live Loud: A Queer Karaoke Experience” is set for 7 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community, showcasing a vibrant karaoke event that celebrates influential queer icons. Those interested can find more details and sign up on the DC Center’s website.
On Thursday, June 19, Go Gay DC invites attendees to join the “LGBTQ+ Book Club” at 7:30 p.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. This book club emphasizes a variety of genres and is co-hosted by EQUALITY NoVa, creating a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. More details can be found on Eventbrite.
Later that evening, the Cultivating Change Foundation will host a “Cultivating Pride Happy Hour” at 5:30 p.m. at Dacha Beer Garden, welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in food and agriculture to connect and celebrate together. Attendance is free with details on Eventbrite.
For those unable to attend earlier in the month, previous events occurred over the preceding weekends as part of a vibrant LGBTQ+ pride schedule.
For example, on Friday, June 6, the “Center Aging Friday Tea Time” met at 12 p.m. at the DC Center, and the evening featured “Sip & Pizza Night – A Class For the Culture,” hosted by Pizza Diversity at 6 p.m. This event provided attendees with a chance to socialize while enjoying pizza, with tickets priced at $92.55.
On Saturday, June 7, the scheduled events included the “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant, and a vibrant “World Pride Women, Sapphics, LGBTQ Rooftop Party” at 9 p.m. at Baby Shank Rooftop Bar and Lounge, providing a space for dancing and celebration.
Another key event, the “Dance With Pride: WorldPride Weekend: Ultimate Pregame,” took place at 7 p.m. at Ultrabar, focusing on creating an energetic atmosphere to kick off the evening festivities.
On Sunday, June 8, Brandan Robertson hosted a book launch for his groundbreaking work “Queer and Christian” at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, taking place at 10:30 a.m. This event marked an intersectional dialogue between queer identity and Christian faith.
As Pride Month progresses, individuals have numerous opportunities to engage within the community, support local LGBTQ+ initiatives, and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy that contributes to Washington, D.C.’s culture. From brunches and game nights to discussions and performances, the schedule is filled with countless chances to foster connections within the LGBTQ+ community.
Every event serves as a reminder of the shared identity, pride, and celebration that is vital to the ongoing journey towards equality and visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals.
image source from:washingtonblade