Following the release of our inaugural guide, a crime took place at Sinners and Saints, a popular Adams Morgan bar catering exclusively to the QTBIPOC community, during the D.C. Black Pride week in late May. Authorities are presently looking into the incident, believed to be an act of hate. Following the unfortunate event, locals gathered in support of the establishment, contributing to a crowdfunding campaign established to support necessary repairs.
A message from Sinners and Saints’ proprietors stated, ‘To those who sought to harm us: your hatred only fuels our determination. To our supporters: we acknowledge and appreciate you, and won’t cease in our fight for you.’ The overwhelming show of support for Sinners and Saints following this incident is a strong reflection of the resilience within the district’s thriving queer community.
We crafted this guide to cater to events held from May 30 to June 8, which includes D.C.’s Pride weekend, in appreciation of such unity. A partnership between local art organization Transformer and queer production collective haus of bambi has resulted in an inspiring exhibition on display at the LINE Hotel lobby.
The exhibit, which is a celebration of the city’s queer artistic scene, features a mix of exciting creations including photographs, sculptures, and unique knick-knacks. Open to the community without any entry fees, the exhibit is scheduled to run until June 18.
Coinciding with the globally acclaimed WorldPride, a two-day event is set to showcase the talents of 2SLGBTQIA+ Indigenous artists through their performances and creative storytelling. This inclusive program has been curated to feature an Indigenous marketplace, live performances, and film screenings along with discussions and a lively dance party.
As the DC Dyke March draws near, prepare for the grand event with a day-long fiesta consisting of safety marshal trainings, live performances, linocut printing, plus numerous vendors and food trucks for a bit of fun indulgence. The engrossing documentary, ‘Brother Outsider’, narrates the journey of Bayard Rustin, an important figure in the gay civil rights movement.
Following its screening, an interactive talkback session will be held with the documentary’s co-director and a host of activists including Walter Naegle, Rustin’s life partner. Naegle has dedicated his life to ensuring Rustin’s legacy is known and remembered.
Among our notable mentions is the renowned author Justin Torres of ‘Blackouts’ and ‘We the Animals’ fame. Another landmark of the Pride celebrations is the return of the DC Dyke March with its intriguing 2025 theme aiming at opposing fascism. The Dyke March stands as an embodiment of the true spirit of Pride, a demonstration of unity and mutual support in the face of global challenges.
The renowned queer dance party makes a comeback at the Black Cat, promising an evening full of fun and excitement. The much-awaited night will mark the first performance of the rising star Chrissy Chlapecka in D.C. guaranteeing an unforgettable party experience.
The Dance Club is all about giving back to the local community of QTBIPOC in D.C, this time with a nighttime party stretching until the early hours of 4 a.m. If LUSH’s Friday party was a hit for you, you may want to drop by 618 again for Luv.202, promising another night full of swaying to the tunes of local DJs.
Get your dancing shoes on for the Lavender Evolutions’ Pride party. Fight the Sunday blues and continue your dream weekend with live performances by top five local DJs. The weekend finale will be marked by the twirls of the crowd swaying to the music of Baltimore’s DJ Lady Lavender and D.C.’s own Diyanna Monet at DC9.
Keep the rhythm alive, for sleeping can wait till the week ahead. The strength and resilience of our community prove that we can overcome any adversity. The range of events demonstrates our diversity, our pride, and our commitment to creating an inclusive safe space.