Diversity & Inclusion

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

## [Event overview:](https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3213250/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage?sc_cid=RHCTN1250000469339) Register [HERE ](https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3213250/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage?sc_cid=RHCTN1250000469339)to learn more! This isn't your typical tech event. Red Hat Tech Day is a full-day, "laptops-open" intensive designed for the builders, operators, and architects who get things done and who understand that security is paramount to operational success. This day is 100% focused on deep, hands-on learning and building resilient, secure systems. You have the power to customize your day. Choose two immersive, expert-led workshops from our tracks designed to confront today's biggest enterprise challenges. You will leave with production-ready skills to reduce risk and enhance your defensive posture. Register [HERE ](https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3213250/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage?sc_cid=RHCTN1250000469339)to learn more!

Update: Hello friends! We're running into a scheduling conflict and pushing our social forward by 1 week. My sincere apologies for the last minute shift! We're starting off this year nice and easy with a Power BI DC User Group social! Please save the evening of January 15th in your calendars as we ring in the new year together with our trademark mix of camaraderie and general nerdiness. We're working on nailing down the specific location but will ensure that it is metro accessible. See you then!

A Starfinder Society Scenario designed for 1st- through 2nd-level characters, playable in 2-3 hours. From their newly founded lodge in the Sloughscar Hills, the Starfinder Society studies the Wreck of the Returned, a massive crashed starship the Starfinders believe was dispatched by the long-lost First Ones. Recent excavations into other First Ones sites uncovered powerful weapons, dangerous technology, and volatile magic—incredibly valuable discoveries capable of causing immense harm should they fall into irresponsible hands. While the Starfinder Society would love to enter the Wreck of the Returned directly, the Wreck’s automated defenses and networked robotic servitors make such an expedition incredibly dangerous. Fortunately, the Starfinders have discovered a nearby site of interest: a sizable piece of wreckage which detached during the crash and landed off-site. Eager for answers, the Starfinders dispatch a team to the crash site to investigate. Unfortunately, Hellknights from the Order of the Eclipse are already inside the wreckage, and their mandate to control, suppress, or destroy dangerous information and technology means they have no intention of sharing anything they uncover. It’s up to the Starfinders to explore the wreckage and gather information, before the Hellknights systematically seize, censor, and destroy everything in their path. This is an adventure in the ongoing Invasion's Edge metaplot. Written by Shan Wolf.

Social Sips & Bites Friends - We’re putting together two trivia teams for an upcoming night of brainpower, laughs, and friendly competition. Each team will have 7 players, so spots are limited. If you’d like to join one of the teams, RSVP only if you’re sure you can attend. We want to lock in committed players so we can go in strong! Come for the fun, stay for the challenge-let’s show everyone how SSB does trivia!

Happy hour at Crown and Crow. Drink specials until 8 and outside food allowed. Located in the basement beneath Pappe, same address.

**Brunch starts at 11 a.m.** at Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant, 555 23rd St. S, Arlington, Virginia 22202. Reserve a spot for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979005928004?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count. Enjoy a delicious brunch and meet LGBTQ+ folk. Make meaningful new connections. The event is free to attend; you simply pay for whatever you order on your own on separate credit card; there's no group tab to worry about. Name tags will be provided. About 10 LGBTQ+ folk are expected. The menu is at [https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/menu](https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/menu) OR better yet, order the all-you-can-eat buffet that includes a mimosa or coffee/tea or soft drink, and dessert for only $14.99. Casual attire is fine. Feel free to invite all your friends to join you there. Please be sure to tag any event photos on social with #gogaydc **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. Metro rides are now capped at only $2.50 on weekends, regardless of distance traveled. Crystal City Metro station on the Yellow/Blue lines is the closest Metro stop. When you arrive, go out the station, walk towards your left to 18th Street and then veer right and walk under the Route 1 overpass to Eads St. Turn left and walk to 23rd Street. Turn right. Freddie's is up 23rd Street just a block. Just look for the rainbow flags on the right-hand side of the street! The venue phone number is (703) 685-0555 in case you get lost. Parking is usually available nearby on the residential side streets. Freddie's was voted the Best Virginia Bar by *Washington Blade* readers. Don't like a smoky bar? You are covered: Freddie's is a smoke-free establishment. (Ashtrays are provided outside the back of the building if smoking is 'your thing'). Freddie's is an LGBTQ+, straight-friendly restaurant and bar. It offers Happy Hour daily from 4-7 pm. [https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com](https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/) This event is being boosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com/)**[,](https://www.gogaydc.com/) Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com/) Arrive at any time that's convenient for you. Go Gay DC Leader **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)** will be there to greet you. There's no need to print out and show your Eventbrite ticket. This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. This event is for all ages. Remember to bring your ID, as everyone who wishes to drink alcohol is carded of course. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@gogaydc) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) Search tags: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies brunch nonbinary

We will meet outside as long as the weather is nice. If not, we will move inside. Look out for a comment the morning of each meeting with our exact location. As we are meeting in person, please remember to bring something to read as we usually spend some time sharing our current reads and/or reading when meeting in person. As a reminder, there is no assigned reading; please bring whatever you are currently working on. This group is super casual, sometimes we read and sometimes we talk the whole time. **** NO SHOW POLICY: Due to the high number of members on the waitlist recently we are having to reinstate our no-show policy. If you sign up and no-show to 2 events you will be removed from the group. Reminders are provided weekly to change your RSVP to allow those on the waitlist a chance to come to the meet-up, no 3rd chances with be given. Please be considerate to your fellow members. Thank you! I look forward to reading you!

Join our ASL Brunch on Sundays in Greenbelt! All ASL users and learners are welcome. Brunches are alternately held at two restaurants in Greenbelt, both in the same town plaza. ODD WEEKS: 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, we meet at Cedars of Lebanon, 103 Centerway. EVEN WEEKS: 2nd and 4th Sundays, we meet at New Deal Café,113 Centerway. We are the Greenbelt ASL Community, a group of both Deaf and hearing people who hang out, chat about everyday goings on, trade stories, get to know each other better, and of course, enjoy food together. Many members use ASL as their primary language, several are interpreters or other fluent ASL users, while others are ASL learners who wish to improve their skills while making new friends. Before or after brunch, you can visit the farmer's market and small coop grocery store in the plaza. Please RSVP so we can contact you via email if needed. Our group is on Facebook as Greenbelt ASL Community. Some long-time group members don't mark their attendance here, so feel free to stop by even if you don't see others who have RSVP'd on Meet-up.

Please join us for our first Romance Book Discussion Club of 2026! Location is at my apartment in Dupont. Address and details will be provided to attendees closer to the meeting. Also, please update your RSVP by 6pm the day before, if you're unable to come. That will allow people on the waitlist to have enough time to consider coming, as well. Looking forward to discussing romance books with you all and excited to see what the New Year will bring for us all :) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* This month the themes are: **Most Batshit/Unhinged Plot** and **Bodyguard trope**. As always, you do not need to read a book that falls into both categories, you're welcome to read whatever you like, but many members find it fun to explore and try new tropes and subgenres. For our "best of the best" the theme is **best redemption or grovel** of a character. So be thinking of a book you've read at any point that would fall into that category. A couple of suggestions to get people thinking: - *Aurora Rising* by Jessie Mihalik, sci-fi romance with a bodyguard trope. - *White Horse Black Nights* by Evie Marceau, fantasy romance with bodyguard/escort via horse through a dangerous forest. As for unhinged....that's about half the books I read, so that'd be a long list. "Unhinged" can be interpreted as campy, unrealistic/ridiculous, spicy, weird etc. However you interpret the prompt, feel free to include it! I also love a good bodyguard trope, but never read them enough, so I'd love to some recommendations myself! As always, please do sound off in the comments about suggestions for books or authors.

Join us for brunch and Freethinker discussion! We will meet at Caboose Commons at 11am (in the upstairs area of the building) to munch and chat. We'll organize into a handful of separate tables with 6-8 people at each table. Each person will write down ideas, drop 'em in a hat, and each group will pick 'em out at random to determine our topic(s). We'd love to mix the "louder" and "quieter" voices so that everyone has a chance to weigh in—we want to hear all perspectives! :) We're a very friendly bunch, and welcome participation from newbies and old-bies alike! Come with your best ideas—anything goes. Feel free to post interesting articles, videos or thoughts in the comments section beforehand to inspire our discussion. PLEASE NOTE: We have placed a cap on the event, so if your plans change, please adjust your RSVP, so someone on the Wait List can attend.

Join DC Polyam at our monthly weekday social. Come by yourself, invite your friends, your partner(s), and even your entire polycule! Come join us from DC proper, Maryland, or Virginia; we welcome all people from all aspects of life and relationship dynamics. Metrobar has non-alcoholic options for those that don't want/don't drink alongside usual food trucks for eating options. Follow us on Instagram and join our Discord @DCPolyam We always enforce a set of house rules in order to maintain a safe space: * **Respectful Behavior** towards hosts and other guests is required; anyone who violates these rules may be asked to leave the event. * **Expectations:** Check your expectations at the door. Being at this event does not signal sexual availability or indicate any aspect of sexual orientation. Our events are about developing friendships and connections within the community. This is a no cruising event, in order to maintain a comfortable atmosphere for our guests. * **Safe Spaces:** We strive to create a safe space for people of ALL identities, including those who do not identify as polyamorous. * **No photography, video, or recording** of any kind is allowed **without prior verbal consent** of all parties involved. * **Verbal Consent:** Please be sure to ask and wait for a yes before hugging or initiating any physical contact, and encourage each other to speak openly about consent and personal boundaries. This helps foster a culture where personal boundaries are supported and attendees are empowered to speak confidently of their limits. (i.e. “Can I give you a hug?” “No thank you, but I would love a handshake.”) If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!

Reserve a spot for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979629953481?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count. DIK Bar is located upstairs. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that historic **[DIK Bar](https://www.dupontitaliankitchen.com/dik-bar/)** (aka Windows) is hosting Go Gay DC! Get ready for another gathering of members of the LGBTQ+ Community! About 20 LGBTQ+ folk from all over the DMV and world are expected. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building. Or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Arrive anytime that's convenient for you! Most attendees will likely arrive by 7:00 p.m. You're welcome regardless of where you live. Bring friends and meet new people. This is the place to be. This LGBTQ and Allies community-wide social provides everyone a chance to socialize, network, and share community spirit in a spacious setting. This event is being boosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com/)**[,](https://www.gogaydc.com/) Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com/) At this exciting event, you'll even get to meet Go Gay DC's Founder **[TJ Flavell](http://www.tjflavell.com)**! Fabulous people from all over the world are expected. Name tags will be provided. It's FREE to attend; cash bar. There will be a bartender on duty; cash or credit card is fine. Casual attire is fine; this will be a relaxing and fun time. The event is free to attend but registration is highly recommended to get in. [See the happy hour menu](https://www.dupontitaliankitchen.com/Bar-Menu/). Dupont Italian Kitchen has been serving delicious Italian cuisine for over 30 years. But it’s so much more than just another Italian restaurant. It’s a second home to a loyal crowd of regulars, a hangout spot for LGBTQ+ residents and their families, and a beloved part of the 17th Street community. It’s one of the District’s top spots for people watching—where you can enjoy a Mimosa or Sangria on the patio as the crowds pass by. But perhaps most importantly, it’s one of the rare restaurants left in DC that retains a small-town feel—where the customers and staff know each other on a first-name basis. Invite your friends. This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. (Note to handicapped There is unfortunately no elevator.) Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) Search keywords: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies nonbinary non-binary

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

**Join Us for Brunch at Portia’s Cafe!** 🌿 Come meet fellow vegan friends and enjoy a delicious brunch with the Columbus Vegan Meetup! We’ll be gathering at **[The Cozy](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/12hqnx2x0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj9lPzVmI6SAxXs48kDHS9NMbgQqdYPegYIAQgFEAI)** (located right next door to Portia’s Cafe) to sample a 100% vegan and gluten-free menu featuring savory wraps, breakfast favorites, hearty soups, and decadent desserts. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with a community that shares your values while supporting a local, family-owned staple in our city. * **When:** Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM * **Where:** the Cozy (next to Portia’s Cafe) * **Address:** 4428 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43214 We can’t wait to see you there!

🎉 You’re Invited! 🍩 Join Columbus Vegan Meetup for a fun community gathering at Monster Baby Donuts, a vegan, peanut & gluten-free, local family-owned business that just opened their new storefront! They started as a beloved food truck, and now they have a permanent location. 📍 700 Bryden Rd, Columbus, OH 43205 🗓 Saturday, January 31 ⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Come enjoy amazing donuts, meet other vegans, and help grow our community with people who share your values. It’s a great opportunity to connect, support a local vegan business, and have a good time. 🥪🥗 The shop also has ready-to-go sandwiches and salads. 🚗 Ample parking in the back. Everyone is welcome — see you there! 🌱💚