Out & About
Rally to support the Ukrainian LGBTQ community
‘The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a queer issue’
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/03/Ukrainian_flags_at_White_House_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_Key.jpg)
QUA – LGBTQ Ukrainians in America is holding a rally at the White House on Sunday, April 3 at 3 p.m.
Organizers are calling for Temporary Protected Status for queer Ukrainians who are able to make it to the U.S., funding to help rebuild Ukraine (including LGBTQ spaces destroyed by the war), economic sanctions against Russia and military support for Ukraine. QUA activists and allies will gather at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. in front of the White House to make these demands.
“The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a queer issue,” members of QUA released in a statement on Facebook. “For those who come from marginalized communities, it presents especially treacherous challenges as we are specifically targeted by Putin, forced from our safe spaces, and pushed into unpredictable refugee situations.”
More details are available on QUA’s Facebook event page.
Out & About
Celebrate July 4 with area fireworks displays
Festivities planned for National Mall, Baltimore, Rehoboth Beach
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/06/20120704_Independence_Day_fireworks_at_Washington_Monument_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_Key.jpg)
The National Mall is the most popular place to watch the D.C. fireworks display; spread a blanket near the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, or the Lincoln Memorial. The 17-minute display starts at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
In Baltimore, the Inner Harbor Fourth of July festivities will begin at 6 p.m. and the fireworks and drone show will begin at 9:30 p.m. downtown at the harbor.
The fireworks in Rehoboth Beach, Del., will be held on Saturday, July 6.
Out & About
Smithsonian Folklife Festival underway
‘Indigenous Voices of the Americas’ program held on the Mall
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2024/06/2024_Smithsonian_Folklife_Festival_insert_courtesy_Smithsonain.jpg)
The 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival takes place on the National Mall June 26–July 1, with the program “Indigenous Voices of the Americas: Celebrating the National Museum of the American Indian.”
Since 1967, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival has been held on the National Mall; events are free. Festival hours are 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., with evening concerts Friday through Sunday from 5:30-7 p.m. For details on specific events, visit festival.si.edu/visit.
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2024/06/rainbow_Pride_flags_in_park_insert_by_Bigstock.jpg)
The 2024 Arlington Pride Festival will be held Saturday, June 29 at 12 p.m. at Long Bridge Park.
This event will be a gathering of the community showcasing local talent, food, and vibrant entertainment. The event will be a celebration of diversity and love.
Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
-
Canada3 days ago
Toronto Pride parade cancelled after pro-Palestinian protesters disrupt it
-
Baltimore5 days ago
Despite record crowds, Baltimore Pride’s LGBTQ critics say organizers dropped the ball
-
Politics2 days ago
HRC slams White House over position opposing gender affirming surgeries for minors
-
U.S. Supreme Court2 days ago
Concern over marriage equality in US grows two decades after first Mass. same-sex weddings