People of Color

**Join the IANDS of Columbia MD Near-Death & Spiritual Discussion Group** **10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy Columbia, MD 21044** **in the Studio Conference Room on 2nd Floor** for an enlightening discussion on spiritual experiences and divine guidance. This event will delve into the realms of metaphysics, consciousness, and spirituality, exploring topics such as mediumship, out-of-body experiences, and inner wisdom. Participants will have the opportunity to share insights on near-death experiences and the transformative power of spiritual growth. Whether you are intrigued by the concept of reincarnation or interested in the principles of spiritualism, this event promises to deepen your understanding of the spiritual journey. Embrace the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and embark on a path of personal transformation and enlightenment.

Join us for a chill voices-off hangout for ASL practice and socializing. It's a night to connect, learn, and have fun! All signing levels are welcome—whether you are fluent, just starting out, or somewhere in between. The first hour entails a practice activity or around-the-room introductions geared toward ASL learners and those more fluent who enjoy encouraging learners. The second hour is an unstructured social. Streetcar 82 is the region's only Deaf-owned and operated brewery! They serve up non-alcoholic options as well as an array of their crafted beers. If the weather is nice, the large group gathers on the patio outside. Check out Streetcar 82 on Instagram: @streetcar82brewingco Note this event is held monthly, on the first Tuesday of the month. Check out the brewery's online calendar for the most up-to-date status. https://streetcar82brewing.com/events/

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Love Lecture,”** a contemplation of matters of the heart, with Laura Papish, associate professor of philosophy at George Washington University and teacher of a seminar on the philosophy of love, sex, and friendship. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/hill-center-love-lecture](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/hill-center-love-lecture) .] Who wrote the book of love? Why does love have to be so sad? Is it a thin line between love and hate? On a more serious note, how does our society's understanding of love and romantic love shape our experience of it? Why do we think of love as mysterious and irrational? Do those we love need to be lovable? Is love necessarily a morally good thing, or can it actually make it harder for us to be good? Show your love for learning by hearing such questions tackled by Laura Papish, who has built a considerable following among Washington D.C. fans of Profs and Pints with her annual talks exploring the intersection of the brain, the soul, and the heart. Hilariously accompanied by her husband, Chris (on guitar), she’ll offer up a delicious assortment of thoughts about the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday—some dark, some sweet, and some giving you plenty to chew on. Dr. Papish will start by examining how ancient Greeks thought about erotic love and move on from there, looking at how love is envisioned in modern thinkers, classic novels, recent films, and pop culture. She’ll also discuss the origins of the idea that people have a “soul mate” and how some thinkers have tried to criticize or transform the very concept of love. Together, we'll explore different possibilities for love and those mysteries about it that have left more than a few of us feeling befuddled. Feel free to show up if you are lovelorn, love-stricken, or just love to hear a fascinating discussion. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Cupid as rendered in a 1510 painting by Giovanni Antonio Bazzi.

POSTPONED TO FEB4. Join the DC Portuguese Conversation Group on the third level of Roofers Union in Adams Morgan (may do the heated rooftop or second floor depending on weather) for an evening filled by practicing Portuguese. Come practice Portuguese over beers while building new connections and broadening your cultural/lusophonic horizons with us! (IF YOU ARE STILL LEARNING THAT IS FINE, ALL LEVELS WELCOME). Whether you are a native Portuguese speaker, an English-speaking expat looking to practice Portuguese, or simply interested in making international friends, this event is perfect for you. Come ready to engage in stimulating conversations and make new friends. Ate ja, tchau!

This group meets via in person during the first Saturday of the Month If it's the third Saturday of the Month they meet via Zoom. Please email [supportdesk@thedccenter.org](mailto:supportdesk@thedccenter.org) to receive the Zoom information. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space the strives to be safe and judgement free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. This group meets on the **first and third Saturdays starting at 1:00 PM**. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit [thedccenter.org/poc](https://new.thedccenter.org/poc) or [facebook.com/centerpoc](https://facebook.com/centerpoc).

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

**NOTE: AN RSVP ON MEETUP DOES NOT SERVE AS A BOOKED SPOT. YOU MUST BOOK VIA LINK BELOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.** **You must book your spot through our website: [[Booking Link Here](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/firearm-safety-2-7-26)]** Lesbifriends Travel is proud to partner with certified firearm instructor Paquita Wiggins to offer a comprehensive, safety-focused gun training tailored for queer Black folks. Whether you’re seeking to obtain your Handgun Qualification License (HQL) or a Concealed Carry Permit, this training will provide you with the education, hands-on experience, and confidence needed to protect yourself and your community responsibly. In a welcoming, affirming space, participants will learn firearm safety, self-defense principles, and legal considerations, all while gaining real experience at the shooting range. **Event Details You Should Know:** 📅 **Class Date:** Saturday, February 7 (Classroom Training) 📅 **Shooting Range Date:** Date scheduled by you **🕖Time:** 9 AM - 11:30 AM (for HQL) & 9 AM - 5:30 PM (for CCP) *Local Time Zone is Eastern Time (ET)* **Class** **Location:** Northwest, Washington, DC **Shooting Range:** Baltimore, MD Area *(Exact addresses shared with confirmed participants and will be shared week of event. While firearm safety and protection training is typically a 16-hour process, our comprehensive approach ensures that participants receive the necessary instruction efficiently.)* **Who This Event Is For:** Queer Black Folks looking to learn about gun safety in an exclusively curated, community-centered environment. ### **Course Options & Pricing:** #### **Option 1: Handgun Qualification License (HQL) - $75** ✅ 2 hours of classroom education **(Arrival/Check-in at 9 AM. Class Time 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM)** ✅ Hour of firearm handling (at the range) ✅ All firearms and ammunition provided ✅ Expert instruction from a certified USCCA instructor ❌ No food & drinks included (Feel free to bring your own) **\*IMPORTANT NOTE: This option includes the required training course and certificate, which you will need to obtain your Handgun Qualification License (HQL) in Maryland. However, fingerprinting and the application submission are not included in the ticket price and must be completed separately.** **Since the state of Maryland is responsible for issuing the HQL, you will not leave the class fully licensed. Instead, you will receive the training certificate, which is a required step in the licensing process.** #### **Option 2: Concealed Carry Permit - $300** ✅ 8 hours of classroom education **(Arrival/Check-in at 9 AM. Class Time 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM)** ✅ Hour of firearm handling (at the range) ✅ All firearms and ammunition provided ✅ Expert instruction from a certified USCCA instructor ❌ No food & drinks included. There will be a 30 min lunch break. (You’re encouraged to bring your own food. There are also places to grab food close to the class location.) **\*IMPORTANT NOTE: While firearm safety and protection training is typically a 16-hour process, our comprehensive approach ensures that participants receive the necessary instruction efficiently.** ### **What to Expect:** 📖 **Day 1: Classroom Training (February 7)** * Firearm safety, responsible ownership, and state gun laws * Self-defense principles & legal considerations * Hands-on firearm handling in a controlled setting 🎯 **Day 2: Shooting Range Practice (TBD)** * Live-fire training & confidence-building exercises * Tactical drills & supervised shooting practice ### **💪🏽Why Train With Us?** ✔ **Led by a Certified Instructor:** Paquita Wiggins is a **licensed USCCA instructor with 15+ years of experience.** ✔ **A Safe & Supportive Environment:** Learn without intimidation in a space designed for queer Black folks. ✔ **Empowerment Through Education:** This isn’t just about firearms—it’s about preparedness, protection, and community strength. **Spaces are limited.** Learn more details and claim your spot here: **[Firearm Safety Training](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/firearm-safety-2-7-26)**! **Booking deadline is January 28, 2026.** **Note:** By attending this event, you agree to being photographed. However, if communicated, we will try our best not to capture you in photos and post you publicly. That request must be communicated ahead of time/at the beginning of the event to photographer and host.

• What we'll do Inter-faith praying, meditation, singing, discussion, and exploration of universal spiritual themes. This is not a "sermon". We will connect and support each other to increase our understanding of spiritual concepts such as "Love", "Forgiveness", "Spiritual Growth", "Service", "Truthfulness", "The Nature of the Soul", "Oneness Of Mankind", "Love Thy Neighbor", "Charity", "Justice", etc. • What to bring Participants are encouraged BUT NOT REQIUIRED to bring excerpts from the authoritative text, music, guided meditations from any religion or spiritual teachings that can illuminate the spiritual concept that we are exploring • Important to know Free. Inter-faith. Spiritual Fellowship. #TheDaley

Slip into your cutest pajamas and join us for a sweet and sparkling Galentine’s brunch made for cozy hearts and champagne toasts. Think mimosas, fresh fruit, small bites and spa touches that make Valentine’s feel like a warm hug and wellness reset. An intimate celebration of friendship, self-love, and all the joy that comes with slowing down just enough to soak it all in. **What to wear?:** Bring out the pink and red satin pajamas and loungewear - your most comfy self.

Get together to watch the Super Bowl! Or more importantly - Green Day, Brandi Carlisle, and Bad Bunny! The game kicks off at 6:30pm. We'll be there by 6pm to see the opening act. The hosts will stay through at least half time. :) See you there!

Celebrating February Birthdays at Forno Kitchen and Bar! Complimentary mimosa for the birthday attendees

This is a FREE, in-person workshop about mastering the science of reading people and predicting their behavior. **Stop guessing and start LEADING.** Join us for a FREE and highly interactive seminar, where you will learn to use the Emotional Tone Scale to read people, predict behavior and handle any objection with ease. The edge you'll gain: * ****Read People**:** Instantly decode human behavior. * * **Predict Actions:** Know their next move before they make it. * * **Influence Others:** Master the tools to win in work and life. * * **Build Trust:** Know exactly who to trust and how to handle them. * Attend this workshop and start developing the mindset of success! **Seats are limited. Reserve your spot today!** Hosted by: Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215

Join us for a vibrant gathering that honors the heart and hustle of local entrepreneurs. It Takes a Village is more than an event it’s a movement to uplift and spotlight small business owners who pour passion into their craft and creativity into our community. From authors and bakers to jewelry makers, t-shirt designers, candle crafters, and beyond. This is your chance to meet the makers, support their work and celebrate the spirit of collaboration. **_Expect_** * Local vendors showcasing handmade goods * Live demos and storytelling from featured creators * Food, music, and community vibes * Opportunities to shop, connect and be inspired * Celebrate the power of small businesses and we all rise

Join us every 3rd Sunday of the month right after the Sunday Service for our Potluck Fellowship — a warm and welcoming time to connect, share, and celebrate community together! Bring your favorite dish to share (homemade or store-bought — all are welcome) and enjoy a delicious meal with friends old and new. It’s a wonderful opportunity to relax, laugh, and deepen your connections. Come hungry for good food, uplifting conversation, and heartfelt fellowship!

✨ **Wicks & Sips: A Candle-Making Experience** ✨ Join us for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and calm. **Wicks & Sips** offers a beautifully curated candle-making experience designed for every woman who deserves a moment to unwind. 🕯️ **Two Experiences. One Elegant Vibe.** **Creative Experience** Create a custom, single-wick fragrant candle while enjoying light appetizers and cocktail-inspired mocktails in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. **Elevated Experience** *(limited availability)* Step into a more refined experience featuring designer-inspired decorative candle vessels, premium colors and fragrances, and guided instruction to bring your candle vision to life. Enjoy curated appetizers, desserts, cocktails, and cosmopolitan-inspired sips—plus a keepsake takeaway bag to remember the moment. [Purchase Tickets](https://www.thepastry-boutique.com/event-details/wicks-and-sips-a-candle-making-event-1)

**Community Dance – Every Friday at Unity of Columbus** Let go of the week’s stress and move into joy! Join us every Friday for an evening of community, connection, and dance at Unity of Columbus. It’s a chance to meet new friends, express yourself through movement, and experience the emotional healing that comes from music and rhythm. No dance experience needed — just bring your energy, an open heart, and your dancing shoes! Dance is freedom. Dance is healing. Dance is fun.

Let’s meet and discuss whatever comes to mind about one of Tennesse Williams’ most famous plays.