Arts & Entertainment
A gay old time
LGBT hiking group features weekly activities, bike rides
While there are many competitive LGBT sports clubs in the Washington area, there are also clubs that offer a non-competitive atmosphere for those wishing to get some exercise.
Adventuring is an outdoor club for the LGBT community that offers a variety of excursions for people looking to be physically active.
Started in the early 1980s, the group leads hiking trips every weekend all year long. From May to September, the group adds other activities such as biking, camping, backpacking and canoeing.
“Our typical hike consists of five to 20 people,” says Jeff Hughes, president. “Surprisingly the New Year’s Day hike is usually our largest turnout with 42 people showing up this past year.”
Throughout the winter months, the group can be found hiking locally across trails that offer many sights from the rich history of the D.C. area. The trips can range from short to long and from easy to hard.
“We have a diverse group of hikers that includes Civil War buffs and a geologist,” Hughes says. “For people interested in local history, the hikes are a great learning experience.”
During the summer months, the Adventuring hikers often trek out to the more mountainous areas to enjoy the cooler temperatures afforded by the higher altitudes.
Starting in May every year, the group begins a weekly Arlington evening bike ride series on Tuesday nights. The weekly ride maintains a relaxed pace utilizing a 19-mile loop through the city to the Lincoln and Anacostia Parks. At the conclusion of the ride is an optional social dinner at a local restaurant.
Adventuring operates as a nonprofit and there are no member dues. The only costs for their activities are trip fees ($2 for day trips or $4 for overnight trips), park entrance fees and the sharing of driving expenses if cars are necessary.
The group has a monthly newsletter that gives an overview of upcoming events, trips and activities. About 600 are on the email list and about 150 hikers and 75 bikers are active in the group.
Upcoming trips:
June 24 — American Chestnut Land Trust Hike
June 26 — Arlington evening bike ride (weekly)
July 4 — Great Falls (Md.) holiday hike
July 4 — Great Falls (Md.) holiday ride
July 7 — Blackberry ice cream hike
July 15 — Adventuring summer picnic
Aug. 5 — Paw Paw tunnel hike
Aug. 25-26 — Big Meadows weekend
Sept. 3 — Wilson Bridge hike
Oct. 6-10 — Biking in the Finger Lakes (New York)
For more information on Adventuring or to sign up for the free email newsletter, go to adventuring.org.
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Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.

Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)































Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)















Photos
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)















