June 1-12: Capital Pride Events in Borderstan Area

The theme of the 2011 Capital Pride celebration is “Celebration and Opportunity: Paving the Way,” created in recognition of the many pioneers who fought for LGBT rights over the previous decades. Borderstan.com is proud to be among this year’s sponsors.

You can find the entire list of Pride events on the Capital Pride website calendar. What follows are some highlights, with a special emphasis on events in the Dupont-Logan-U Street area. Dupont, and increasingly Logan, is the heart of the D.C. LGBT community, so many of the events are close to home.

Remember to check event details for cover charges, ticket prices and ticket availability.

Two big events: The parade is Saturday, June 11 at 5:30 pm, starting at Dupont Circle and winding its way to Thomas Circle NW (check out Luis’ photos from the 2010 parade). The festival on Pennsylvania Avenue is Sunday, June 12 at 11 am. DJ Tony Moran will DJing on stage at Capital Pride Sunday June 12 to premiere the title track of his new album “Magic” with legendary singer Jennifer Holliday.

Taste of Pride runs June 6 through 12. There are seven establishments here in the neighborhood — Cafe Saint-Ex, Floriana, Hank’s Oyster Bar, Level One, Local 16, Policy and Tabaq. Check the Taste site for details — when you eat at one of the participating restaurants a donation will be made to Captial Pride.

Also, keep an eye out for our Breaking News section on the landing page — we will be highlighting Pride events of the day.

Below the fold: Events listed by day.

Wednesday, June 1

• On June 1 at 7 pm is Out on Assignment – Kickoff and Orientation. Capital Pride 2011 will kick off with a panel discussion and celebration at the Chastleton Ballroom. The event will commence with “Out on Assignment: How LGBT Journalists Influence the Media Landscape,” a panel discussion hosted by the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association. Location is the Chastleton Ballroom, 1701 16th Street NW.
• Pride Idol is this year’s music competition. Cobalt is hosting, 17th and R Streets NW on Wednesday, June 1 at 9:30 pm (and again on June 8, which are the finals ). The winner gets to use a Saab all summer!

Thursday, June 2

• Spirituality in the Gay Community is the topic of a Town Hall event on Thursday, June 2, from 7 to 9 pm at Hotel Palomar, 2121 P Street NW.

Friday, June 3

• Head to Hotel Donovan’s Rooftop (it’s great, been there) for Pink & Purple Sunset: A Women’s Event on Friday, June 3 from 6 to 10 pm. Location is 1155 14th Street NW, right on Thomas Circle. The event is being hosted by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

Saturday, June 4

• The Mr & Ms Capital Pride Pageant is Saturday, June 4, from 6 to 10 pm at Town Danceboutique, 2009 8th Street NW.
• The Gay Men’s Chorus (30th Anniversary Concert!) will perform with Jennifer Holiday at Lisner Auditorium (730 21st Street NW) on Saturday, June 4, and again on Sunday, June 5. Times are 8 pm on Saturday and 3 pm on Sunday.

Sunday, June 5

• The Pink & Purple Recognition Awards Brunch happens at The Mayflower Hotel on Sunday, June 5, 11 am to 3 pm. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force host this annual award ceremony to honor LGBT activists and allies in pushing equality forward. Tickets are $125. The Mayflower is at 1127 Connecticut Avenue NW.
• The Say I Do: LGBT Wedding Expo is Sunday, June 5 from 1 to 4 pm at Hotel Palomar, 2121 P Street NW.
• Head to Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams (1526 14th Street NW) on Sunday, June 5, for the Opening Doors Fund Fundraiser and Reception. The fund supports the full inclusion of the LGBT community in the United Methodist Church. Time is 6:30 to 8 pm.
• Drag Kickball from 5:30 to 8 pm on Sunday, June 5, should be “Must-See-TV.” Probably best to give you the organizers’ verbage: “Stonewall Kickball, in conjunction with Capital Pride, presents the 1st Annual Drag Ball — a time for the queens to show off what they can do with a kickball and set of heels!” The event will take place at Stead Park on 17th and P Street behind JRs Bar and Grill.

Monday, June 6

• On Monday, June 6, head to The DC Center at 1318 U Street NW for a panel discussion, Celebrating Queer People of Color: Activism, Leadership and Community. Time is 7 to 9 pm.
• Women’s Spoken Word is Monday, June 6, at Indulj, 1208 U Street NW, from 7:30 to 9 pm. “Come celebrate the women of DC and express yourself through poems, monologues, songs, and more.”
• Don’t Ask Do Tell: Stories of Coming Out, Coming Clean, and Just Plain Coming on Monday, June 6 at 8 pm at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D Street NW. Tickets are $25. Show repeats on Tuesday, June 7.
• There is an Interfaith Service at 7:30 pm at the Universalist National Memorial Church, 1810 16th Street NW.
• The Rouge Benefit Show is Monday, June 6, at 10 pm at Omega, 2122 P Street NW. “Join Rouge entertainers at their annual Pride Benefit.”

Tuesday, June 7

• Jewish LGBT Happy Hour at Cobalt, 17th and R Streets NW. Time is 5 to 8 pm. Sponsored by GLOE (GLBT Outreach & Engagement) at the DCJCC, Bet Mishpachah, Gayyyim, Nice Jewish Boys and Nice Jewish Girls.
• Heroes Gala & Silent Auction is Tuesday, June 7 from 7 to 9 pm at the House of Sweden (embassy) at 2900 K Street NW. This annual event honors trail blazers in the community with a reception and silent auction. Business or cocktail attire; tickets required.

Wednesday, June 8

• The Men’s Underwear Fashion Show & Auction Party is at Cobalt, 1639 R Street NW, at 9 pm on Wednesday, June 8. You need to purchase tickets!
• At 10:30 pm on June 8, head out (or back out) to Cobalt to witness the Pride Idol Finals.

Friday, June 10

• 5th Annual DC Latino Pride is Friday, June 10 from 6 to 9 pm at Town Danceboutique, 2009 8th Street NW. Presented by the Latino GLBT History Project, Friday evening’s program features a networking reception with hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, a historical exhibit, a panel discussion on marriage equality and bi-national same-sex couples, high impact cultural performances, and informational health, social service, cultural and business resources from local corporate, non-profit and government entities.
• Pride Shabbat Services at DC Jewish Community Center, 16th and Q Streets NW. Time is 8:30 to 10 pm.
• Somewhere… Party @ The Newseum on Friday, June 10 at 9 pm is sponsored by Capital Pride and Brightest Young Things. “Imagine everything that is over the rainbow. Unicorns, red slippers, pots of gold, fairies, and more! Tickets required. The Newseum is at 555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

Saturday, June 11

• The annual Capital Pride Parade winds its way through the Dupont Circle and Logan Circle neighborhoods between 5:30 and 8:30 pm on Saturday, June 11. The starting point is west of Dupont Circle on P Street NW, and the finish is at Thomas Circle (14th and Massachusetts NW). From Dupont Circle, the parade heads north up New Hampshire Avenue NW, then east on R Street, then south on 17th Street, then east on P Street before heading south on 14th to Thomas Circle.
• FUSE – Official Capital Pride Women’s Closing Night Party will be Saturday, June 11, 9 pm at Apex, 1415 22nd Street NW. $15 cover.

Sunday, June 12

• The annual Capital Pride Festival is Sunday, June 12, from 11 am to 6 pm; the entrance is at 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW (see the map for festival details). Headliner is legendary singer Jennifer Holliday and DJ Tony Moran will DJing on stage to premiere the title track of his new album “Magic.” There will be vendors and food, an Arts Stage on 6th Street, a Rainbow Stage, a Family Area and two Beverage Gardens — in addition to the Main Stage.
• Festival After Party is Sunday, June 12 starting at 6 pm. Location is Cobalt, 17th and R Streets NW.