Arts & Entertainment

Minnesota Vikings to host LBGT summit and fundraiser

The event takes place on June 21

Published

7 years ago

May 17, 2018

Gay News, Washington Blade, Greg Louganis

Retired Olympian Greg Louganis will be a featured speaker at the Minnesota Vikings’ first LGBT summit. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Minnesota Vikings are hosting an LGBT summit and fundraiser featuring speakers such as retired Olympian Greg Louganis and former Vikings punter Chris Kluwe.

The event takes place on Thursday, June 21 at the team’s headquarters, TCO Performance Center. Featured panels will be Athletes as Allies, the Role of Coaches, LGBTQ Trailblazers and the Power of Visibility: Institutions and Individuals.

In addition to Louganis and Kluwe, speakers will include Nevin Caple, co-founder of LGBT SportSafe, Robert Gulliver, NFL Chief Human Resources Officer, Chris Mosier, the first out transgender athlete to join a U.S. national team, Samantha Rapoport, NFL Director of Football Development, Esera Tuaolo, former player for the Minnesota Vikings and Stephanie White, head women’s basketball coach at Vanderbilt University.

More speakers will be announced closer to the summit date.

A reception will follow to raise money for local and national LGBT organizations.

“The Vikings are committed to leading efforts that raise awareness and create positive change for LGBTQ athletes across the country, and we are proud to bring together some of the nation’s thought leaders to create an engaging and impactful discussion,” Vikings Chief Operating Officer Kevin Warren said in a statement. “This event will highlight the role each of those involved in sports, including coaches, players and executives, can play to promote equality within sports teams. We are also proud to raise funds for meaningful local and national LGBTQ causes.”

In 2014, Kluwe accused special teams coach Mike Priefer of saying “We should round up all the gays, send them to an island, and then nuke it until it glows.” Priefer was suspended and Kluwe filed a suit against the team which ended in a settlement requiring the Vikings to advocate for LGBT inclusion in sports.

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Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns bigger than ever with two-day WorldPride celebration

Published

13 hours ago

April 15, 2025

Staff reports

The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier will be extended to a two-day celebration in honor of WorldPride coming to D.C. this year. Taking place on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at The Wharf, this year’s event promises more entertainment, more community, and more pride than ever before — all set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of our nation’s capital.

With the addition of Friday, the party kicks off at 3 p.m., with the inaugural WorldPride Boat Parade at 7 p.m. As an Official WorldPride Partner event, the boat parade will feature 30 decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. For information on signing up for the boat parade contact Stephen Rutgers at [email protected].

Saturday’s signature Pier Party kicks off at 12 p.m., featuring a drag show, DJ’s, streaming of the WorldPride Parade, and the iconic Fireworks Show Presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation — one of D.C. Pride’s most anticipated spectacles.

“We’re expanding Washington Blade Pride on the Pier to reflect the excitement and momentum building for WorldPride in D.C.,” said Blade publisher Lynne Brown. “It’s a celebration of our community’s progress and a powerful reminder of the joy and visibility Pride brings to the heart of our city.”

Now in its seventh year, Washington Blade Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Wharf waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The District Pier will offer DJs, dancing, drag, and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

Pride on the Pier is free and open to the public, with VIP tickets available for exclusive pier access, hosted bars, and private viewing areas for the boat parade and the fireworks show. To purchase VIP tickets visit www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip.

Friday VIP: 5-9 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, cash bar and complimentary drink.

Saturday VIP Session #1: 2-5 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered food, and an open bar.

Saturday VIP Session #2: 6-9 p.m., enjoy the air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered snacks and dinner, and open bar with a front-row view of the fireworks.

Event Details:

📍 Location: District Pier at The Wharf (101 District Sq., S.W., Washington, D.C.)
📅 Dates: Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7, 2025
🛥️Boat Parade: 7 p.m. (June 6). 🎆 Fireworks Show: 9 p.m. (June 7)
🎟️ VIP Tickets: www.PrideOnThePierDC.com/VIP

Event sponsors include Absolut, Capital Pride, DC Fray, Infinate Legacy, Heineken, Leonard-Litz Foundation, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Relish Catering, Washingtonian, and The Wharf. More information regarding activities will be released at www.PrideOnThePierDC.com