District of Columbia
Mayor joins ribbon-cutting for opening of D.C. LGBTQ seniors home
Mary’s House for Older Adults operates facility for 15 senior
Close to 100 people joined D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, two members of the D.C. Council, and other city officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening of Mary’s House for Older Adults, the city’s first home dedicated to LGBTQ seniors.
Located at 401 Anacostia Rd., S.E. in the city’s Fort Dupont neighborhood, the three-story house includes 15 single-occupancy residential units and more than 5,000 square feet of communal living space.
Imani Woody, the Mary’s House President, CEO, and founder, said construction of the new house, which is located on the site of the house she grew up in, was completed in January and residents began moving in in March. She said there is now a waiting list for those interested in living there.
Bowser and Woody were among nine city officials and community leaders who spoke at the event in a large outdoor courtyard behind the house that’s part of Mary’s House grounds.
“You are providing housing,” Bowser told Woody in her remarks at the event. “You are providing a solution to the epidemic of loneliness. You are providing a vehicle for Washingtonians to stay in Washington,” the mayor said. “And you are showing that a woman with an idea who cannot be stopped can deliver for D.C.”
Bowser called Mary’s House a model for senior housing that she said could be brought to other parts of the city.
Woody thanked the mayor and the D.C. Council for providing city funding to support Mary’s House.
“This house is amazing,” she told the gathering. “It houses 15 people. But the concept is more than 15 people,” she said. “This is a place for residents of Washington, D.C., LGBTQ+ same-gender-loving to have a safe space.”
Among the others participating in the event were Japer Bowles, director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, and D.C. Council members Robert White (D-At-Large) and Wendell Felder (D-Ward 7).
Felder, who noted that Mary’s House is located in Ward 7, which he represents, called the ward a “welcoming community” that absolutely has welcomed Mary’s House.
“Mary’s House represents more than just bricks and mortar,” he told the gathering. “It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we commit to justice, inclusion and community. It recognizes that our elders, especially those in the LGBTQ+ and same-gender-loving communities, in a diverse space that honors their full identity and provides not only shelter but affirmation and belonging.”
Woody said each of the 15 individual units or suites at Mary’s House includes a sleeping area, living room, bathroom, and kitchenette with a sink, microwave and refrigerator but no stove. The Mary’s House website says the shared communal areas of the house include a “fully equipped kitchen, separate dining area and living room.”
It says the communal area also includes a computer room, arts and crafts room, an exercise room, laundry facilities, community meeting space, a “tranquil quiet room for relaxation,” and an outdoor terrace with seating.
Woody points out that Mary’s House, which is a nonprofit operation, is not an assisted living facility.
The website statement adds, “Through health and wellness programs, connections to community services, and advocacy efforts, Mary’s House for Older Adults endeavors to ensure that all elders, regardless of identity, can enjoy fulfilling and secure lives in their golden years.”
Further information about Mary’s House, including the availability of space to live, can be obtained at MarysHouseDC.org or at 240-972-2500.
District of Columbia
Celebrate Frank Kameny’s 100th birthday at Supreme Court event
Rep. Torres, Jim Obergefell to speak on May 21
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) and Jim Obergefell will join national LGBTQ organizations and activists, and speak at 12 p.m. in front of the Supreme Court on May 21 to celebrate the 100th birthday of Frank Kameny, one of the founders of the modern LGBTQ civil rights movement.
City Council members Erik Bottcher (New York City), Rue Landau (Philadelphia), and Zachary Parker (Washington, D.C.) will also speak.
During the demonstration on what would have been Kameny’s 100th birthday, activists will hold 100 candles in front of the Supreme Court. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Obergefell are serving as national honorary co-chairs of the celebration.
The national event honors Kameny and pushes back on those who would try to render the LGBTQ community invisible, deny their history, and subvert their equality; and celebrates the 10th anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 Supreme Court marriage equality decision.
“Frank Kameny was a strategic activist. He used picketing, politics, the courts, media, and pressure on the federal and municipal governments to fight for equality,” said Malcolm Lazin, National Chair, Kameny 100. “On the 10th anniversary of marriage equality, we’re honored to have as keynote speakers Jim Obergefell and Congressman Ritchie Torres, co-chair, Congressional Equality Caucus.”
Collaborating national organizations include Advocates for Transgender Equality, The American LGBTQ+ Museum, Equality Forum, GLAAD, HRC, Lambda Legal, LGBT History Month, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, PFLAG, SAGE, and the Washington Blade.
To learn more, visit kameny100.org.
District of Columbia
D.C. gears up for a weekend of trans empowerment
Washington is set to host a vibrant, multi-day celebration spotlighting the city’s trans and gender-diverse community with a daylong conference, lively after-parties, and community hangouts.
Trans Pride returns to Washington, D.C. on Saturday, May 17 for a full day of empowerment, education, and celebration—created by and for trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people. The annual event uplifts the voices of the local trans community through workshops, panels, and networking, all in the spirit of resilience and joy.
(Note: Due to the current political climate surrounding people with gender-diverse identities, the location of many events are being withheld until you RSVP.)
The day, structured as a conference, features nearly 30 workshops covering a wide variety of topics specifically designed to uplift members of the D.C. trans community. From navigating recent federal ID document changes to Trans Sex Ed Trivia and Strategies for Growing Your Small Business in Uncertain Times, there’s something for every trans person in the lineup. Additionally, the event will include panel discussions, a resource and exhibitor fair, and networking opportunities.
After Trans Pride, the official after-party will be held from 6-9:30 p.m. This 18+ event’s location will be disclosed after RSVP-ing.
Following the official after-party, the official after-after party will be held at Sinners and Saints (2309 18th St., N.W.). Dubbed the “Not-Cis-Tine Chapel,” the event runs from 9 p.m.-3 a.m. with drink deals including $5 rail shots all night and jello shot discounts. Trans DJs Franxx and El Sucio will be spinning all night at this 21+ event.
On Sunday the 18th, Trans Pride will host Sunday Funday, where members of the trans community are invited to enjoy “games, drinks, and friends” from 2-6 p.m. The location will be shared after RSVP-ing.
To help kick off WorldPride, the Trans Pride Welcome Party will be held on June 6 starting at 7 p.m. This 21+ event will start the season right with a night of sparkle and shine. Glam looks are encouraged, and the location will be shared after RSVP-ing.
To RSVP to any of the events above, visit transpridewashingtondc.org/home
District of Columbia
¡Libre Soy! Latinx Pride comes to D.C.
A vibrant series of inclusive celebrations highlights the intersection of heritage, self-expression, and community empowerment of the Latinx LGBTQ community throughout Washington, D.C.
Latinx Pride kicks off on May 16 with a packed schedule of vibrant, community-centered events celebrating queer Latinx identity through art, movement, history, and joy. From dance performances and spiritual gatherings to film screenings and late-night parties, this year’s programming invites LGBTQ Latinx folks and allies to connect, heal, and celebrate across Washington, D.C.
On May 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m., Latinx Pride begins with Amor, Dolor y Sabor—a dance event that is part of the Latinx Movement Festival. An all-queer Latinx cast of color will dance across genre boundaries, from contemporary to ballet folklórico, to highlight the unique Latinx queer identity. The event is at Dance Loft on 14th (4618 14th St., N.W.), with tickets still available.
On May 18 at 11 a.m., La Sanación 1: Indigenous Welcome invites LGBTQ Latinx people to connect with their ancestral roots by joining a guided spiritual practice and learning activity. The location of this event is TBD, but will be made public on the Latinx Pride website closer to the event.
On May 22, there will be a Latinx Professionals Networking Mixer at Kiki (915 U St NW) at 6 p.m., followed immediately after by the Latinx Pride Kickoff Reception at 8 p.m. Tickets are required for both events.
La Sanación 2: Movement in Nature will take place on May 24 on the Potomac River, starting at the Key Bridge Boathouse (3500 Water St NW). The community is invited to “Take a breath, grab a paddle, and join us on the water for a healing day of kayaking and connection.” Tickets are available now.
From 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 25, Latinx Pride is hosting La Fe: Celebrating Faith and Resilience at the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington (474 Ridge St NW). An RSVP is requested.
Thursday, May 29 is La Fiesta: The Official Latinx Pride Party at Bunker (2001 14th St NW), where everyone is invited to dance the night away to Latin hits! The party starts at 9 p.m., with tickets required.
Noche de Jotería: A Queer Latine Variety Show will take place on Friday, May 30 at Theater Alliance (340 Maple Dr SW) for a night of “dance, drag, and jotería!” The show begins at 8 p.m., and tickets are required.
In a special collaboration with DC Public Library and Loyalty Bookstore, the Los Bookis podcast will host a live recording at MLK Library (901 G St NW) at 4 p.m. The podcast episode, “Alligators, Mermen, and Latine Queer Bookworms, Oh My!” will feature authors Venessa Vida Kelley and Edgar Gomez for an afternoon of Latinx literature. RSVP is requested.
On May 31, after the WorldPride kickoff event—Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran concert at Nationals Park (1500 South Capitol St SE)—everyone is invited to dance the night away at AI Warehouse – Union Market (530 Penn St NE) at 10 p.m. Tickets are required to attend.
La Sanación 3: Wellness and Relaxation will be held on June 1 in Dupont Circle at 9 a.m. and invites the Latinx LGBTQ community to “stretch, dance, and relax with us outdoors in Dupont Circle” amid a busy Pride season.
Later in the evening on June 1, the DC Latinx LGBTQ History Tour will start at 2 p.m. at Adams Morgan Plaza (1800 Columbia Rd NW). Everyone is invited to learn about DC’s Latinx LGBTQ history: “hear the stories, visit the places, and honor the people who paved the way.” An RSVP is requested.
At 6 p.m. on June 2, Latinx femmes, mascs, nonbinary folks, and cis women are invited to the Chicas & Femmes Mixer to “connect, celebrate, and just be free to love.” The location is TBD, but tickets are available now.
On Wednesday, June 4, masculine members of the Latinx LGBTQ community are invited to “Suéltate” at the Papi Chulo Mixer at District Eagle (1357B U St NW). Dance to Spanish hits in Washington’s only kink bar. Tickets are not needed, but are available.
On June 5, the queer Latinx community is invited to dance away any stress at El Mozo: Yes To All. The event’s location is TBD but will start at 10 p.m., with tickets still available.
On Friday, June 6, the Latinx Film Festival will start at 4 p.m. at The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd NW). “Three films, one night, and a celebration of cultura, comunidad, and pride.” Tickets are required.
Libre Soy Night Party will be held on June 6 at Bunker (2001 14th St., N.W.) to “Dance like you’re free—because you are.” Tickets are available now.
On Friday, June 13, Jotería: Our Untold Stories will begin at 8 p.m. at the Kogod Theatre at Arena Stage (1101 6th St., S.W.). Join queer Latinx performers as they show what it means to be “brown, queer, and unapologetic.” Tickets are still available.
Latinx Pride will conclude with La Plática: Lessons from Our Histories on June 19 at The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd., N.W.). There, the community is invited to learn how their queer Latinx identity can “guide us in resisting hate and building power, together.” Tickets are required.
For tickets and to RSVP to any of the events above, visit: https://www.latinxhistoryproject.org/pride
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Mayor joins ribbon-cutting for opening of D.C. LGBTQ seniors home
‘A New Alliance for a New Millenium, 2003-2020’
