Diversity & Inclusion

Let’s kick things off with Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross! For our first meeting, we’ll be trying out The Square as a gathering spot. I’ll plan to get there a little early to grab a table. Synopsis: *Dear Matilda,* **I wrote.** I let the words flow for her. And when the ink dried, I gave my very heart **to the fire.** Born in the firelit domain of the under realm, Matilda is the youngest goddess of her clan, blessed with humble messenger magic she uses to carry words and letters through the realms. But the gods will kill for power, and Matilda holds a secret she must hide from even her dearest allies. And there is a mortal who dreams of her, though they have never met in the waking world. Ten years ago, Vincent of Beckett wrote to Matilda on the darkest night of his life—begging the goddess he befriended in dreams to help him. His request went unanswered, and Vincent became a hardened, irreverent lord of the river who has long forgotten Matilda . . . until she comes tumbling into his bedroom window with a letter for him. Matilda and Vincent were fated to find each other beyond dreams. But to rewrite the blood-soaked ways of the gods, Matilda will have to face something she fears even more than losing her magic: finally allowing herself to be loved.

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

Winchester ASL group meets for a social dinner every third Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30. Location changes monthly. All are welcome. Everyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing individuals learning ASL are welcome to join us for fellowship and fun.

They say put up or shut up in today's world! You asked for it............... you got it! What's up Thursday night?

Get your tickets now at https://EMYDCSoiree.eventbrite.com The EMY Africa Soirée is a signature gathering that blends elegance, culture, and connection. Designed as a networking experience, it gathers past EMY Africa honorees, business leaders, cultural figures, and trailblazers from across the continent and its diaspora. Each edition creates a setting where influence meets intention and conversation drives connection. Set within the prestigious Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, the EMY Africa Reception offers an extraordinary evening where culture, influence, and elegance converge. Surrounded by one of the world's premier institutions dedicated to African art and heritage, guests will experience an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and deeply connected to the continent's rich creative legacy. This exclusive soirée brings together an exceptional community of African and Diaspora leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, and changemakers—offering a rare opportunity to network with the people shaping Africa's future and global influence. The evening features live African music and a live DJ, captivating cultural performances, a premium open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, and gourmet African cuisine, all thoughtfully curated to create an immersive and elevated celebration of African excellence. More than a reception, this is an opportunity to be inspired, build meaningful connections, and experience Africa at its finest in one of Washington, D.C.'s most iconic cultural settings.

Our first meeting!!! This event will be a Thursday night virtual social. We'll talk about our favorite foods, pets, and projects, and get to know each other a bit before playing some games. This is not a group for professional couseling services, but if you find creating therapeutic, then you're in good company. Please come in with a positive disposition and a desire to connect with others. The conversation will be moderated to ensure a pleasant experience for all. There will be zero tolerance for bigotry of any flavor. All ages are welcome, and we BIPOC and LGBTQ+ friendly.

Get ready for a lively night of swing, jump-blues, and rockabilly as *The Natty Beaux* take the stage! This fun-lovin’, finger-snappin’, hoppin’ and boppin’ combo brings together some of the Mid-Atlantic’s finest musicians for a high-energy performance. The band delivers a vibrant mix of classic tunes and timeless crowd-pleasers. **The Natty Beaux** bring together seasoned musicians from groups like Billy Coulter Band, The Junkyard Saints, and Alexandria Kleztet. Many members are multiple WAMMIE Award winners, and their chemistry on stage is undeniable. **🎷 What to Expect** * Toe-tapping classics inspired by legends like Louis Prima, Ray Charles, Louis Jordan, Bobby Darin, Elvis Presley, Gene Vincent, Nat King Cole, and Jerry Lee Lewis * A dance-friendly atmosphere—perfect for letting loose or just soaking in the vibe * **Parking** : 90 minutes of free parking available. After that its $1/hour.\*\*

LOCATION FOR THIS MONTH - [Urban Garden Brewhouse,](https://www.urbangardenbrewing.com/) a new Black-owned brewery in DC! We’re here to make new Bi/Pan+ friends, and catch up with old ones! This event is monthly; **check the comments day-of for where to meet and how to find us**. We’ll be here, queer, and full of cheer! INHERENT RISK AND LIABILITY: Organizers carefully plan events and check public sources for weather and safety. Common sense dictates that conditions may change and there is inherent risk associated with attendance. Organizers and the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center do not accept any liability for accidents/injuries or any other incidences that may occur in connection with the activities published herein or on linked sites.

The World Cup energy is HERE, and we’re getting together to cheer, celebrate, debate every referee decision, and become soccer experts for 90 minutes. Join Bethesda Social Club at Sports and Social for an exciting World Cup Watch Party as USA takes on TURKIYE in a Group Stage showdown! You do NOT need to be a die-hard soccer fan to enjoy this event. If you like great people, good food, cold drinks, and the electric atmosphere that only the World Cup can create, this is the place to be. We’ll be enjoying: 🍺 Drinks and game-day specials 🍔 Great food and snacks ⚽ The World Cup match on big screens 🎉 Fun, welcoming social vibes 🙌 A great night out with fellow Bethesda Social Club members Here’s the specials: $4 Domestic Drafts $5 House Wines $6 Call Cocktails: Smirnoff & Smirnoff Flavors, Dulce Vida, Tanqueray, Kentucky Gentleman, Malibu & MORE $7 Crush Cocktails 50% off the following appetizers: Signature Fries Giant Pretzel Loaded Nachos Boneless Wings Come for the soccer. Come for the social atmosphere. Come because World Cup matches are always more fun with a crowd. Wear your favorite team’s colors if you want, bring your friends, and join us for a relaxed, energetic, and memorable World Cup night at Sports and Social. Parking Info: Free for the 1st 2 hours $3 for 4 Hours $4 for 5 Hours The venue is close to the North Bethesda Metro station. Take the Red Line, exit at the North Bethesda Metro stop and walk 6 minutes. See you there! ⚽

Greetings, Let's meet again for another Spring/Summer Series **Last Saturday of the Month CoffeeRun, Walk, & Talk coworking and collaboration meeting** at **Union Market in NE DC**. Topics include but are not limited to personal development, accountability, community service, partnerships, projects, and team building with those who share similar values **(readers feel free to bring books; several indoor/outdoor restaurants, bars, lounges, stores, and coffee shops in the market area)**. **Meeting open to all backgrounds and ethnicities.** Also, for those interested, **District Running Collective (DRC)** meets at this location (Union Market curbside) nearly every Wednesday evening (at 6:30pm) and Saturday mornings (at 7:00am for 6 to 10mile runners; 8:00am for 3 mile runners; three miles takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on fitness level). Updates can be sent regarding any location changes/run rescheduling. Good opportunity for novice or more experienced runners to jumpstart their holistic health journey this season (e.g., improved sleep, meal planning, exercise, mental resilience) with others who share similar personal development goals (see DRC information link below). **If you are not interested in the morning run/walk, feel free to RSVP for coffee and conversation only.** If there are any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this meeting feel free to call or message. Updates may also be added to the event chat/comment section at any time, thank you. **Link for District Running Collective (DRC)** \*[https://www.districtrunningcollective.com/](https://www.districtrunningcollective.com/) Alicia (202) 627-0361 Sunday June, 21st 2026 6:00pm (update)

Greetings, Let's meet again for another Last Saturday of the Month dinner discussion (at 12 Stories Hip Hop & R&B Lounge at the Wharf DC) centered on community service, leadership, and advocacy. If you are a reader, writer, speaker, and/or change agent and would like to connect with others dedicated to personal development and community projects feel free to RSVP for this interest meeting. Meeting inclusive to all to include those of different backgrounds and ethnicities. If there are any questions, suggestions, recommendations (e.g., alternative meeting times and locations) regarding this meeting please do not hesitate to reach out via meet-up message or phone at any time. There will also be an opportunity to explore existing alternative locations and to create a vetted invitation-based gender balanced inclusive guest list/playlist for future Last Saturday of the Month community service, advocacy, discussion dinners, thank you. Alicia (202) 627-0361 Sunday June 21st, 2026 4:30pm

MoCo Code and Coffee is an inclusive, informal, co-working session. We're community-led and community-run by devs, for devs. People of all skill levels are invited. Especially new devs! Bring a laptop, ideas, and we'll provide the coffee and snacks. Huge thank you to our new venue sponsor, Bethesda Green. Bethesda Green is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to build a more sustainable local economy. As an incubator, connector, and community partner, Bethesda Green supports mission-driven startups through the Innovation Lab, helping social-impact founders grow into thriving, purpose-driven businesses. Consider signing up for their newsletter here: https://bethesdagreen.org/subscribe-to-the-bethesda-green-monthly-newsletter/ **Here's how Code & Coffee works** At 2:30pm, everyone introduces themselves and briefly mention what brought them to Code & Coffee today (project, homework, networking, etc.) Round 1: 1. Your name 2. What you're working on 3. What you can help others with Round 2: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. Round 3: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. **After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized!** 1. For the rest of the day, folks work on their projects, providing one another with help, and/or socialize. It's fully up to you. Photos and video will be taken at this event for use in our social media. If you'd rather not appear in any of them, just let us know ahead of time and we'll make sure to keep you out of the shots. **Location** We will be at Bethesda Green. This location is on the second floor of the Capital One Building. Enter the main building as if you are headed to Capital One, then go up the stairs to your right. PLEASE NOTE: There is no working elevator at this time, stairs only. 4825 Cordell Avenue, Suite 200 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 The event will be held in the conference room and shared workspaces of Bethesda Green. Light refreshments (coffee and tea) and snacks will be provided. **Parking** * Participants may park on the street or in nearby parking garages. **Public transit** * Located near near the **Bethesda** metro station (Red Line).

Support a local LGBTQ+ business. **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/1989182967804?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) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExN2tRNWxxbmJINDBLRjgyeHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5wn7CoNkDnzZk1J8PGqEXSOaiVTjajzIpsVdNeg2WI7X_BJ5MeR6ierA9SUg_aem_YJJoTeXOh5HTjDXienXIZQ) Search tags: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies brunch nonbinary

**What is a send-off?** Before we head to St. Louis for the Barbershop Harmony Society International Convention, The Alliance opens its doors to the community for a **free** preview of our competition set. This gives us the opportunity to perform in front of an audience before we take the international stage. We would love to see you there!

Want to see your work shine and put your pride on display? Then come to July's Creativity Circle! We will be making simple Suncatchers with tissue paper! Seats and supplies limited! Come while you can for as long as you like! Westerville Public Library in Meeting Room D.

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

Bienvenue! We host a twice-a-month French conversation club at La Chatelaine on Lane. All levels welcome! Whether you're new to French or running for Président de la République you are welcome here! We often read plays together, play vocabulary games, and generally enjoy the delicious food available at La Chatelaine! We will be at the long table in the back of the restaurant. A bientôt!