The 43rd annual Queen of Hearts drag pageant was held at The Lodge in Boonsboro, Md. on Friday, Feb. 21. Five contestants vied for the title of Queen of Hearts 2025, and Dee Dee Dereon won the crown.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Center for Black Equity will host “DC Black Pride Cocktails for a Cause” on Friday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. 

This event supports DC Black Pride 2025, which is a Marquee Partner event of World Pride in Washington, DC. Your presence and contributions help us create an unforgettable celebration of Black LGBTQ+ liberation, visibility, and joy.

There will be signature cocktails, live DJs, “Black & Bold” vibes, raffles and giveaways and networking and community.

Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Friday, February 28

“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans* people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at the Green Lantern. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Women in Their Twenties and Thirties will meet at 8 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the Washington, D.C. area. For more details, join WiTT’s closed Facebook group. 

Saturday, March 1

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including Allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space the strives to be safe and judgement free. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc. 

Sunday, March 2

“DMV Queer Dance Meetup” will be at 4 p.m. at Ferocity Dance Company. Come practice, socialize, and enjoy refreshments! Meet and dance with other queer dancers. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

“The Chateau Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Chicatana. This event will be hosted by Charlemagne Chateau and guests can enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMV’s best drag performers. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. 

Monday, March 3

“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Center Aging Advocacy Meeting will be at 3:30 p.m. on Zoom. The purpose of these meetings is two-fold. First, participants are welcome to provide guidance and feedback on programs and services for LGBT older adults here at The DC Center. Second, this group will focus on advocating for LGBT older adults in the District of Columbia. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Tuesday, March 4

Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Wednesday, March 5

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking—allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website. 

Thursday, March 6

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be more fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245. 

Virtual Yoga with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.