Arts & Entertainment
D.C. exhibition open call for artists – The Gender Within: The Art of Identity
The deadline for submission is April 15, 2022 11:59 PM EST.

Calling all local artists in the Washington, D.C. region. The Washington Blade and Dupont Underground are excited to bring back a new exhibition during Pride month.
This exhibition will celebrate artwork exploring the nuances in how people identify their gender and the fluidity within labeled identities and orientations. Gender identity is a personal conception of oneself as man, woman, both, neither, or something new. Art has been a way for creative individuals to investigate, challenge, and express their thoughts and ideas. In Dupont Underground & the Washington Blade’s next show, our hope is to exhibit artworks collected from this open call, reflecting, exploring, or celebrating gender identity through art. A blind jury will review the submissions.
The exhibition will be held at Dupont Underground (19 Dupont Circle, N.W., Washington, D.C.) from June 4-26, 2022.
- We are looking for works that:
- Are emotional and creative
- Challenge gender norms and roles
- Reflect & explore the complexities in self identification. We welcome contemporary art of the mediums mentioned above that synchronize with this vision and statement.
- This exhibition is for artists specializing in LGBTQIA+ issues and who work in both traditional and contemporary art forms. All artwork must be original in concept, design, and execution. Mediums accepted: Photography, Fashion, Poetry, Media Art/Video Art, Painting/Drawing, Small-scale installation art.
- Artists may submit up to 3 works. Artworks must be installation ready. We will only accept artists from the DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia) area.
For more information consult: Gender Within Open Call Brief.
For any questions email us at [email protected].
Arts & Entertainment
Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns bigger than ever with two-day WorldPride celebration

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
Arts & Entertainment
Win a pair of tickets to Grace Jones & Janelle Monáe @ The Anthem on June 5, 2025!


The Cherry Weekend main event party was “Fire” at Betty (1235 W Street, N.E.) on Saturday, April 12. Detox of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” met with fans.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)














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