Nearly eight years ago, David Brown had the idea for a regular party named after a type of gay man that effectively bridged the gap between two gay archetypes: skinny, smooth twinks on one hand, husky and hairy bears on the other. In 2017, Brown retired the popular monthly party he called Otter Crossing after six years and two venues. But those namesake nimble and furry critters somehow managed to weasel their way back into Brown’s party promoting career — and in a much bigger way — with the launch of the weekly Otter Happy Hour, presented by Brown and Otter Den every Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. at Trade. As before, everyone is welcome, whether hirsute or hairless, and no matter identity, size, expression, label, or spirit animal. The party this Friday, July 26, features groovy tunes spun by DJ Khelan Bhatia starting at 7 p.m., with XL-sized, regularly-priced drinks, as well as beer and wine for only $5 each, until 10 p.m. The party, hosted by otter pinup Derek Mulhern, will also extend onto the back patio. Trade is at 1410 14th St. NW. Call 202-986-1094 or visit www.tradebardc.com.
VIBEZ VOL. III: CRAZY. SEXY. COOL
Referred to as an “LGBTQ R&B Social,” this party, presented by Lush Vibes Entertainment and LezLink Social Club, promises “a night of sexy games” — “Dirty Scrabble, Cuff Cards, Red Flags,” plus Uno and Connect Four — and “new friends” bonding over R&B. It all goes down this Friday, July 26, starting at 10 p.m., on the second floor of Shaw’s hip Italian restaurant Al Crostino, which was rebranded XX+ Crostino a year ago and designated a safe space for “queer womxn,” yet one that’s open to all, “advocating inclusivity, diversity, and community.” XX+ Crostino is at 1926 9th St. NW. Cover is $10. Call 202-797-0523 or visit www.facebook.com/lushvibesent.
JOX: THE GREEN LANTERN UNDERWEAR PARTY
It’s not the only recurring underwear party at the Green Lantern, but the monthly Jox event has been a popular stripdown staple for years at the bar, tucked away in a Scott Circle alley. Certainly few others can claim to have enticed as many men to strip to their skivvies as David Merrill, the veteran local promoter who helps throw Jox along with DJ UltraPup. On Saturday, July 27, starting at 9 p.m., UltraPup will be assisted by DJ Popperz in pumping up the sexy musical vibe while Lumious and Centaurian will be dancing on the boxes. Saturday, July 27, starting at 9 p.m. Upstairs at the Green Lantern, 1335 Green Court NW. Cover is $5, including free clothes check. Call 202-347-4533 or visit www.greenlanterndc.com.
SASHA & DIGWEED
Alexander Paul “Sasha” Coe and John Digweed are each legendary DJ/producers in their own right. But together, they comprise one of house music’s first and most famous DJ/production duos. In the decades since their joint residency at New York’s storied, gay-popular nightclub Twilo, the U.K.-native duo hasn’t been seen or heard terribly often on this side of the pond. This Saturday, July 27, starting at 9 p.m., Club Glow presents the duo’s return to the decks at Echostage for an “intimate #AllNightLong set.” While there’s nothing specifically gay about them, the two did get their start in the gay-friendly rave scene of the early 1990s. Over the decades they’ve also DJ’ed at a few gay or gay-popular clubs and events, from Twilo to Montreal’s Black & Blue Festival. And with their central progressive house sound — generally warm, melodic, and emotional — it would be a surprise if their shows didn’t draw a healthy sprinkling of LGBTQ fans. Echostage is at 2135 Queens Chapel Rd. NE. Tickets are $30 plus a fee of nearly $8. Call 202-503-2330 or visit www.echostage.com.
LGBTQ COMMUNITY HAPPY HOUR ROOFTOP SOCIAL IN THE CITY
The rooftop of Dupont Circle’s boutique Embassy Row Hotel will be hopping this Sunday, July 28, from 6 to 9 p.m., during a free, special happy hour event hosted by Go Gay DC, described as “D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community hub focused on friendship, leadership, and service.” Intended as a chance to socialize and network with fellow members of the LGBTQ community and allies, the event also allows you to see the spectacular sunset from the property’s 9th-floor rooftop. You can also bring swimwear for a dip in the pool at this casual-themed soiree. And drink specials at the rooftop bar include $9 Froses as well as Tito’s cocktails, $5 for Pride Bud Lite bottles, and $6 for drafts of Stella. The Embassy Row Hotel is at 2015 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Free, but registration required due to limited space. Call 202-265-1600 or visit www.facebook.com/GoGayDC.
Chris Kostka, a gay man visiting Provincetown, Massachusetts, was walking along Bradford Street between 1 and 2 a.m. on Monday, June 30, when, near Howland Street at the town’s eastern end, three men shoved him to the pavement and began kicking him while yelling anti-gay slurs.
"All of a sudden I just feel myself getting pushed to the ground," Kostka told Boston NBC affiliate WBTS-CD. "I fly forward and I turn. I see three guys, and of course, I'm stunned from just being thrown to the pavement, and I just cover my face, go into a fetal position as I'm getting kicked and getting called some gay slurs."
Nearly 1 in 4 of the corporate donors of New York City's annual Pride festivities have pulled support for 2025, citing economic uncertainty and fear of retribution from the Trump administration.
Heritage of Pride, the organization that produces New York City's Pride festivities, now faces a shortfall of nearly $750,000, according to the New York Times.
The loss has prompted organizers to launch a grassroots fundraising campaign, hoping to raise $25,000 by the end of June to keep Pride events "free and accessible for all."
Only one of five "Platinum" sponsors ($175,000 donation) from last year has re-upped its commitment: cosmetics giant L'Oreal, which donated through an LGBTQ employee group. Garnier, Skyy Vodka, and Mastercard have either scaled back their financial support or withdrawn support completely.
In one of the stranger crime sprees of Pride Month, a masked man on an electric unicycle is reportedly stealing Pride flags across Longmont, Colorado.
Since Memorial Day weekend -- just ahead of Pride Month -- the man has vandalized homes by bending flagpoles and tearing down flags.
Sheryl Colaur, one of the victims, told the Longmont Daily Times-Call that at least 10 -- and possibly as many as 15 -- of her neighbors in Longmont's Harvest Junction Village neighborhood have had their Pride flags stolen, allegedly by the same man.
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
You must be logged in to post a comment.