Holiday Party

Enjoy the EQUALITY NoVA Holiday Party tonight, Saturday, December 16 from 7-9 p.m. at The Commentary, at located inside the Westin Arlington Gateway, 801 N. Glebe Road in Ballston. Garage parking is free when validated at the hotel front desk after the social. Approximately 100 LGBTQ+ guests are expected. Gather in the spacious lounge with comfortable chairs and sofas. This exciting event was the highlight of the season last year, so we are repeating it. At this point there is no need to register in advance, just show up!

This exciting event is free for EQUALITY NoVA members. (Hint: You may join or renew EQUALITY NoVa membership online here. You may join EQUALITY NoVA regardless of where you reside.) A cash donation jar will also be available at the party for non-EQUALITY NoVA members. The suggested donation is whatever you can afford.

As in previous years, there will be a cereal drive for AFAC. Please bring a box of cereal or other non-perishable(s) as community service. This event is also where the 2023 Equality Awards will be presented and the 2024 Board of Directors will be elected by EQUALITY NoVa members (nominations accepted from the floor). The Commentary is only a couple blocks from Ballston Metro. Metro rides are now only $2 on weekends. Festive attire encouraged. This year there will be plenty of holiday cheer and holiday treats.

Brunch @ Freddie's

This morning, Saturday, December 16 from 11 a.m.-Noon, enjoy the LGBTQ+ community brunch and conversation at Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant. EQUALITY NoVa members and friends are invited to attend. RSVP here. (Please note that the new start time is 11 a.m.) We are gathering on the heated, enclosed front patio.

All are welcome to join us. Enjoy the delicious food and mimosa, meet new people, and catch up with friends you have not seen in a while. Order brunch on your own separate credit card or cash and converse with the group. Order à la carte from the menu or better yet, order the all-you-can-eat buffet which includes a mimosa or a champagne, or coffee/tea or soft drink for only $14.99. There's no group tab to worry about. Usually about 10 LGBTQ+ folk usually attend, including members. Freddie's is walkable from Crystal City Metro station located on the Yellow/Blue lines.



Brunch happens weekly. Another is planned for December 23, This fun social event is hosted by Go Gay DC in partnership with EQUALITY NoVA.

Holiday Show for Charity

Enjoy a drag show @ Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant on Sunday, December 17 at 8 p.m. hosted by Genocide Abraxas and Temperance Faye DuWitt. Please bring dollar bills. Tips to the performers this evening will benefit worthy charities that have been vetted by the Imperial Court of Washington DC. The mission of the Imperial Court of Washington, DC is to raise funds for charitable organizations. Note: Tables for dining should be reserved in advance online (recommended). This charitable event is promotionally supported by Go Gay DC and EQUALITY NoVA. Register here.

Holiday Happy Hour

Enjoy a happy hour social and see ALL the spectacular holiday decorations @ Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant on Friday, December 22 from 6-7 p.m. Each year Freddie Lutz decorates in the spirit of the season. Register here. We will gather near the stage. Note: Tables for dining should be reserved in advance online (recommended). Please bring a nonperishable food donation for AFAC, the local food assistance center, as community service.

Dinner & Conversation @ Federico

Following the happy hour enjoy dinner and conversation, Friday, December 22 from 7-8 p.m. @ Federico Ristorante Italiano, 519 23rd St. S, Arlington, Virginia (just a few doors down the street from Freddie's Beach Bar). Federico offers authentic Italian cuisine, drinks, and decadent desserts. See the menu. Please register to reserve a seat. Separate checks. EQUALITY NoVa Advisory Committee Chair TJ Flavell will be there to listen to direct input. Federico is located just a few doors down the street from Freddie's Beach Bar. It also is walkable from Crystal City Metro station.

Happy Hour @ Hi-Tide Lounge

Be the life of the party on Tuesday, December 26 from 6-8 p.m. Gather at Hi-Tide Lounge, 101 N. Union Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, along the waterfront in Old, Town, Alexandria. If you haven't been out in a while, then come on out and make some new friends at this free to attend event. Casual attire is fine; this will be a relaxing and fun time. Hi-Tide Lounge offers delectable bar bites and special appetizer size menu items to accompany a select list of signature cocktails, classic tiki-inspired drinks, and a range of wine and craft beers. RSVP here.

LGBTQ+ Happy Hour

Enjoy the next LGBTQ+ Community's extended happy hour! We will gather on Friday, December 29 from 7-9 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar, located at 1637 17th St NW, Washington, DC upstairs. All are welcome! Tell your friends! This fun social event is hosted by Go Gay DC. RSVP here.

First Friday Social 

Enjoy the extended happy hour on Friday, January 5 from 7-9 p.m. at The Commentary lounge inside the Westin Arlington Gateway, 801 N. Glebe Road in Ballston. Garage parking is free when validated at the hotel front desk after the social. Many members and friends are expected. Gather in the spacious lounge with comfortable chairs and sofas. This free to attend social event for the LGBTQ+ community happens the First Friday of every month. Simply order extended happy hour menu items on your own. Casual attire. This venue is easily walkable from Ballston Metro. Usually about 50 LGBTQ+ folk usually attend. This signature monthly event is officially hosted by Go Gay DC, so mingle with LGBTQ+ folk from across the DMV! Please feel free to dine there before the event starts. Please RSVP here.

Coffee & Conversation

Looking to make more friends in the LGBTQ+ community sans drinking alcohol? Join us for the Coffee & Conversation Sunday, January 7 at Noon. We are gathering at as you are., 500 8th St. SE Washington, DC 20003, a safe space in DC located a couple blocks from Eastern Market Metro on the Orange/Blue/Silver lines. Parking is free in DC on Sundays. Spots are easy to find under the freeway near the Marine Corps barracks. Metro rides are only $2 on weekends. This event is free to attend. When you arrive, obtain a name tag on the table near the sofa and order on your own from the menu if you wish. Meet and mingle with about 10 LGBTQ+ folk. Anyone wearing a name tag is with our group. This is a safe space for everyone under the rainbow. Please feel free to invite your friends. This is a chill atmosphere with enjoyable background music. Please register.

NoVA Happy Hour

Get ready for the LGBTQ+ Community's Happy Hour on Tuesday, January 9 from 6-8 p.m. at The Light Horse, 715 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, in Old, Town, Alexandria. It's a fun place to gather. We’ll be upstairs on the second floor. All are welcome! Tell your friends! This event is officially hosted by Queens on King Street, a local social group. Bring friends and meet new people. Please RSVP. 

LGBTQ+ Social

You are cordially invited to attend the LGBTQ+ Social on Friday, January 12 from 7-9 p.m. Enjoy a classic evening of happy hour socializing at Hotel Zena,1155 14th Street Northwest, Washington, DC, 20005, adjacent to Thomas Circle in DC. It's part hotel and part art gallery that features work that celebrates the contributions and courage of women. About 30 LGBTQ+ folk from across the DMV are expected. Casual attire is fine. We will gather near the pool table in the back of Figleaf lounge. This fun social event is hosted by Go Gay DC. RSVP today.

Book Club

The Book Club next meets @ Federico Ristorante Italiano on Thursday, January 18 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Simply ask the manager for the Book Club table. We will discuss The Song of Achilles by Miller.

Everyone welcome. Please RSVP in advance by emailing lovellsjl@aol.com. If you wish to optionally dine (on separate checks), see the menu. The Book Club is yet another opportunity to engage in a fun and rewarding activity with your friends. This club is officially sponsored by EQUALITY NoVa with Go Gay DC as a promotional partner.

The club meets at Federico each month. Upcoming book discussions:

February 15 - The Left Hand of Darkness by Guin

Social in the City

Looking for a bright and cheery place to hang out during winter?You are cordially invited to attend the Social in the City hosted by Go Gay DC on Friday evening, January 19 from 7-9 p.m. This event is ideal for meeting new people and making new friends in a casual, facilitated environment. Puro Gusto Italian Cafe is near The White House. The address is: 1345 F St., NW, Washington, DC 20004. Metro Center is two blocks away (F street exit), making this a breeze to get to without a car. About 30 LGBTQ+ folk from across the DMV are expected. Casual attire is fine. RSVP here.

New Corporate Equality Index

As you do guide may be helpful holiday (and posy-holiday) shopping, this The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released its 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring company policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality for more than two decades. A reflection of the majority sentiment on LGBTQ+ issues, and in stark contrast to radical legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, a record 1,384 businesses participated this year, including 378 of the Fortune 500 companies. In total, 545 companies earned a score of 100 and will be honored with HRC’s Equality 100 Award as Leaders in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion. More...

Fairfax County Commission for Women

The Fairfax County Commission for Women is seeking qualified candidates to apply to serve on the commission representing the LGBTQIA+ community. Here are a few details about this role here.

Buy a Brick Reminder

Buy a Brick and support the new home of DC’s new LGBTQ+ Community Center! In partnership with Capital Pride Alliance. Buying a Brick is a great way to offer tribute to loved ones, family members, friends, and organizations you admire. These tributes will be a permanent part of our new LGBTQ+ Center and become a reminder of not only your tribute, but the support you have provided our community. Each brick will contain your personalized message and become a permanent fixture near our Conference Center. You can choose to inscribe your name, the name of a loved one, a heartfelt message or a dedication.

We’re OUT in Northern Virginia!

Founded in 1981, EQUALITY NoVa is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves Northern Virginia’s LGBTQ+ and Allies. It's a strong beacon for equality. It’s a nonpartisan organization open to all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) people and allies. We provide socials, fosters nonpartisan civic awareness, and engages in community service. We also offer a scholarship. Regardless of where you reside, we welcome you. Please also keep EQUALITY NoVa in mind for planned giving.

There's strength in numbers in a world where discrimination persists. EQUALITY NoVa needs your continued support to serve as a strong local beacon for EQUALITY. But we can't do it without you. If you know your membership has expired, please join today. If you are unsure if it has expired, please contact president@agla.org to check on status. You may join regardless of where you reside.

To join, go to www.equalitynova.org, Like our Facebook page. We also have a Facebook group and a Meetup group.