Arts & Entertainment
Cherry blossoms under new leadership
D.C.’s trademark gay dance weekend returns with series of events
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Cherry and the Cherry Fund, which is now under new management.
The Cherry Fund has raised and provided about $980,000 in grants since its start in 1997 and 90 percent of that comes directly from ticket sales to Cherry, Washington’s trademark gay dance party. James Decker, a member of the Fund’s board, says this year’s goal is to raise $20,000, which could be double what was raised last year and would bring the organization over the $1 million milestone.
“There’s definitely something symbolic behind it,” Decker says of hitting that milestone on this anniversary. “That would be a significant achievement given the economy and a lot other factors, but there’s no reason why they couldn’t reach that goal.”
Last year’s beneficiaries were The Metro D.C. Center, Capital Pride, Us Helping Us, Whitman-Walker Health, Metro TeenAIDS, Pediatric AIDS/HIV Care, Women’s Collective, La Clinica del Pueblo, Youth Pride Alliance, Capital Trans Pride, Latino GLBT History Project (Latino Pride), API Queers United for Action and D.C. Black Pride.
“We try to spread the wealth,” Decker says.
This year’s beneficiaries will not be announced for another couple months.
“We get a lot of people from out of town,” Decker says. “That’s how the circuit works. A lot of people will just go from party to party.”
There are some new venues this year, including Phase 1 Dupont (1415 22nd St., N.W.), Ibiza Nightclub (1222 1st St., N.E.) and Warehouse Loft (411 New York Ave., N.E.).
While Fund organizers think the local DJs are great, they try to recruit those who don’t come to the D.C. area that often, making their events a bigger draw. There are many DJs who ask about participating and this year, all the opening DJs are volunteers.
Tonight’s (Friday) events start with a welcome center at No. 9 (1435 P St., N.W) from 5 to 9 p.m. followed by two events. There will be a women’s event at Phase 1 Dupont from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. and “Boys on Fire” with DJ Paulo from Los Angeles at Warehouse Loft from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. with DJ David Merrill (check out his Queery profile on page 32) spinning the opening set and DJ Bryan Yamasaki in the back room.
Saturday brings the “Moody Horror Picture Show,” a birthday celebration for party pioneer, Moody Mustafa featuring DJ Joe Gauthreaux from New York City at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) from 2 to 7 p.m.
Town is also hosting that night’s “Blossom” with DJ Mark Anthony from Montreal from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. DJ Timothy Mykael will provide the opening set. There will also be a special performance by Circuit Mom. Attendees are asked to wear red to this event.
The festival ends on Sunday with “Momentum” with Cherry alum DJ Alyson Calagna from Miami at Ibiza Nightclub from 4 to 9 a.m. with an opening set by DJ BennyK.
“She’s great, a real sweetheart and an awesome DJ,” Decker says of Calagna. “We’re honored to have her back.”
That will be followed by a brunch and tea dance at Cobalt from noon to 6 p.m. with DJ Tim e. The final event is “Ovation” with DJ Eddie Elias from New York City at Ultra Bar (911 F St., N.W.) from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. with DJ Sean Morris opening.
“They give us that club for the night,” Decker says of Ultra Bar. “They are very generous, very supportive of our event.”
Tickets for individual events range from $17 to $50. The 2012 Cherry Host Pass is $120 and includes entrance to all six major events, access to VIP lounge at Ibiza, goodie bag, complimentary day pass to VIDA Fitness, two-hour open bar at Sunday tea, T-shirt and CD, but it does not include admission to “Moody Horror Picture Show.”
For more information and to purchase tickets visit cherryfund.org.
Friday, March 27
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event 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].
Saturday, March 28
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.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Black Lesbian Support Group will be at 1 p.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black Lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Monday, March 30
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” 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 information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
“Tea Time! A Local DC Drag Comedy Show” will be at 3 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a live drag comedy show where drag legends TrevHER & Tiara Missou Sidora host spill all the tea in the DMV. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, March 31
Visibili-TEA Party will be at 6 p.m. at Restoration Station. Guests are encouraged to come sip, celebrate, and shine together. This event is a Trans Day of Visibility celebration and a special collaboration between Auntie’s Home and Damien Ministries. This is a boozy tea party with intention and the dress code reflects the vibe. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, March 1
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. 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.
Thursday, April 2
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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 Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Unconventional Diner will host “Cherry Blossom Drag Bingo Party” on Friday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m.
Guests will be treated to an unforgettable night of drag performances, bingo, food and drink and prizes. Highlights of the evening include themed cocktails, drag performances and bingo prizes.
Tickets can be secured via Resy.
Sports
New IOC policy bans trans women from Olympics
New regulation to be in effect at 2028 summer games in Los Angeles
The International Olympic Committee on Thursday announced it will not allow transgender women from competing in female events at the Olympics.
“For all disciplines on the Sports Program of an IOC event, including individual and team sports, eligibility for any Female Category is limited to biological females,” reads the new policy.
The policy states “eligibility for the Female Category is to be determined in the first instance by SRY Gene screening to detect the absence or presence of the SRY Gene.”
“On the basis of the scientific evidence, the IOC considers that the SRY (sex-determining Region Y) Gene is fixed throughout life and represents highly accurate evidence that an athlete has experienced or will experience male sex development,” it reads. “Furthermore, the IOC considers that SRY Gene screening via saliva, cheek swab or blood sample is unintrusive compared to other possible methods. Athletes who screen negative for the SRY gene permanently satisfy this policy’s eligibility criteria for competition in the Female Category.”
The policy states the test “will be a once-in-a-lifetime test” unless “there is reason to believe a negative reading is in error.”
The new regulation will be in place for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“I understand that this a very sensitive topic,” said IOC President Kirsty Coventry on Thursday in a video. “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition.”
“The policy that we have announced is based on science and it has been led by medical experts with the best interests of athletes at its heart. The scientific evidence is very clear: male chromosomes give performance advances in sport that rely on strength, power, or endurance,” she added. “At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”
(Video courtesy of the IOC)
Laurel Hubbard, a weightlifter from New Zealand, in 2021 became the first trans woman to compete at the Olympics.
Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, won a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Khelif later sued JK Rowling and Elon Musk for cyberstalking after they questioned her gender identity.
Ellis Lundholm, a mogul skier from Sweden, this year became the first openly trans athlete to compete in any Winter Olympics when he participated in Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy.
President Donald Trump in February 2025 issued an executive order that bans trans women and girls from female sports teams in the U.S.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee last July banned trans women from competing in female sporting events. Republican lawmakers have demanded the IOC ban trans athletes from women’s athletic competitions.
“I’m grateful the Olympics finally embraced the common sense policy that women’s sports are for women, not for men,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) on X.
An IOC spokesperson on Thursday referred the Washington Blade to the press release that announced the new policy.
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