LGBT | ALXnow

LGBTQ+ pop-up bar ‘Pride on the Avenue’ to open next month in Del Ray

Published April 18, 2024 at 9:55AM | Updated April 18, 2024 at 10:39AM

Pride On The Avenue is opening at the pop-up space at 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue in May 2024 (courtesy image)

In recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month in June, Del Ray’s seasonal pop-up bar will open in early May as Pride on the Avenue, it’s owners tell ALXnow.

Bill Blackburn and his business partner “Mango” Mike Anderson of the Homegrown Restaurant Group and their staff gutted the space that was home the last few months to their ski lodge concept, Aspen on the Avenue. Just what they’re planning for the interior is still under wraps, as is the menu, but Blackburn said that renovations will be extensive.

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Old Town Alexandria could get rainbow crosswalks in time for Pride Month next year

By Vernon Miles

Published November 22, 2023 at 1:15PM

Rainbow crosswalk (photo via Cory Woodward/Unsplash)

After some prodding from City Council member Kirk McPike, a couple of Alexandria crosswalks could get a Pride-themed makeover next year.

A presentation heading to the City Council on Tuesday, Nov. 28 — somewhat overshadowed by the Zoning for Housing vote that evening — includes details on plans to install rainbow artwork at a couple of crosswalks along King Street.

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Alexandria kicking off Pride Month with drag queen storytelling

By Vernon Miles

Published May 25, 2023 at 3:50PM | Updated May 25, 2023 at 11:16PM

Pride flag (photo via Sophie emeny/Unsplash)

The City of Alexandria is kicking off Pride Month next weekend with an afternoon of everything from spoken word poetry to a “Drag Queen Story Hour.”

The 6th annual kick-off event is scheduled for Saturday, June 3, from 2-5 p.m. at Market Square (301 King Street).

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Torpedo Factory to host LGBTQ-focused ‘Pride Prom’ next month

By Vernon Miles

Published May 2, 2023 at 10:45AM | Updated May 2, 2023 at 12:27PM

The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town(staff photo by James Cullum)

A local organization that cares for the mental health of local LGBTQ teens is hosting its second annual Pride Prom — a prom event focused on making queer teens feel safe.

Safe Space NOVA is hosting Pride Prom at The Torpedo Factory (105 N Union Street) on June 16 from 7-11 p.m.

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ACPS reaffirms commitment against Governor Youngkin’s transgender restrictions

By James Cullum

Published September 23, 2022 at 11:00AM

Alexandria City High School's homecoming football game against West Potomac on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria’s interim superintendent says that Governor Glenn Youngkin’s proposed new policies restricting transgender bathroom and pronoun use won’t be a distraction as the school system plans to continue its “gender-affirming policies.”

“We just want to make sure that we let our community know that we’re continuing our commitment to both implement and develop gender affirming policies for all ACPS students,” interim Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt told the School Board on Thursday night (September 22).

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ACPS vow to support transgender students despite new Youngkin policies

By Vernon Miles

Published September 20, 2022 at 10:45AM

George Washington Middle School (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

In a letter to students, staff and families, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) said it will continue to “develop and implement gender-affirming policies for all ACPS students” despite new policies outlined by Governor Glenn Youngkin.

On Friday, Youngkin’s administration proposed new policies to restrict bathroom use and which pronouns transgender students can use. The new policies would restrict students to the bathrooms and locker rooms associated with the sex assigned at birth regardless of gender identity, NPR reported.

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Here’s how Alexandria will spend the first portion of its American Rescue Plan Act funding

By James Cullum

Published July 7, 2021 at 4:45PM

Alexandria City Hall sign (staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria will spend millions on emergency financial support programs, stormwater repair, childcare and dozens of other projects as part of its first portion of American Rescue Plan Act funding.

“Now the really hard work begins,” Mayor Justin Wilson said after Council’s unanimous passage of a plan Tuesday night. “I think this is an opportunity to make some transformational investments.”

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published June 29, 2021 at 5:00AM

Virginia extends ‘cocktails-to-go’ laws for another year — “During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many restaurants were shuttered, the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) created a safe and secure way for restaurants to offer cocktails to go with a meal. The General Assembly has now continued this practice in statute for one year.” [Zebra]

Republican mayoral candidate Catchings announces she won’t get education endorsement — “I will not be receiving the endorsement from APACE – Alexandria Political Action Committee for Education. What matters most is that I receive the support from Alexandria parents and citizens for School Choice !!” [Twitter]

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Pride flags torn down outside City Hall and thrown into fountain at Market Square

By James Cullum

Published June 7, 2021 at 4:45PM | Updated June 7, 2021 at 6:25PM

Pride flags were torn down outside City Hall and thrown into the fountain at Market Square. (Courtesy photo)

Alexandria Police are investigating the destruction of several Pride flags that were thrown into the fountain at Market Square outside City Hall (301 King Street).

On Sunday evening, approximately half of the multicolored flags mostly erected on light posts around Market Square to commemorate Pride Month were thrown into the fountain, Alexandria Police told ALXnow.

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Alexandria Makers Market returning to in-person format with LGBTQ+ pride event

By James Cullum

Published May 25, 2021 at 1:00PM | Updated May 25, 2021 at 2:27PM

Alexandria Makers Market founder Alyssa Kovach thinks that online marketplaces take away a personal touch.

For nearly two years she’s managed up to 80 Alexandria makers, selling everything from soap and candles to dog food and popcorn seasoning, and on June 27 will feature 15 makers and their products for her first in-person event since the start of the pandemic last year.

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published February 26, 2021 at 9:00AM

Independent Investigation Clears ALX Chamber CEO of Wrongdoing — “The Chamber will be immediately scheduling workplace professionalism training for all staff and Chamber leadership and the Chamber’s Code of Conduct will be updated and clearly communicated to staff and members.” [Alexandria Living]

Beyer Votes ‘YES’ as House Passes Equality Act — “The House just passed the Equality Act, which would protect LGBTQ Americans from discrimination in the workplace, in housing, in receiving health care, and more. I voted YES; this is the final vote:” [Twitter]