Mayor Bowser Celebrates LGBTQIA+ History Month and 20 Years of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs

(Washington, DC) - Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs (MOLGBTQA) are kicking off LGBTQIA+ History Month and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs. Throughout October, Washingtonians are invited to honor the people, places, movements, and milestones that have shaped the District's LGBTQIA+ community and celebrate the community's ongoing contributions to Washington, DC.

"LGBTQIA+ History Month is a reminder that our history is not simply something we look back on-it is something we continue to make," said Japer Bowles, Director of the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs. "As we celebrate 20 years of MOLGBTQA, we honor the generations of advocates, artists, organizers, businesses, and residents who built our community and continue to shape its future. This milestone is an opportunity to celebrate how far we have come while continuing to build a more welcoming, inclusive, and connected Washington, DC."

For 20 years, MOLGBTQA has worked alongside LGBTQIA+ residents, community organizations, businesses, and advocates to connect residents with District resources and services, support community-based organizations, advocate for LGBTQIA+ priorities, and strengthen partnerships between the LGBTQIA+ community and District government.

MOLGBTQA was established in 2006 to serve as a liaison between the District government and the LGBTQIA+ community and to help ensure that the needs and priorities of LGBTQIA+ residents are reflected in District programs, policies, and services. Over the past two decades, the office has supported community organizations, expanded access to resources and services, and created opportunities for residents to connect, engage, and build community.

LGBTQIA+ History Month is observed each October to recognize the history, achievements, and contributions of LGBTQIA+ people and to highlight the movements and milestones that have shaped the LGBTQIA+ community. In Washington, DC, LGBTQIA+ residents, advocates, artists, businesses, and community leaders have played an important role in shaping the District's history, culture, and civic life.

Throughout LGBTQIA+ History Month, MOLGBTQA will partner with District agencies, community organizations, and LGBTQIA+ leaders to host and support events and opportunities for Washingtonians to celebrate LGBTQIA+ history, culture, and community. Upcoming events include:

The Relationship Lab: A Healthy Relationships Series
Join us for an engaging series exploring what makes relationships healthy and how to recognize the signs when they're not. Facilitated by DC SAFE in partnership with MOLGBTQA.

• When: Tuesday, October 6, 13, and 20, 6 pm.-7:30 pm
• Where: 899 North Capitol Street NE
• RSVP: The Relationship Lab

MOLGBTQA Birthday Bash
Join us for the 20th Anniversary Celebration! We will be hosting an upbeat gathering, highlighting community leaders, advocates, artists, and institutions who have advanced LGBTQIA+ progress in Washington, DC over the last two decades. This event will highlight key milestones and the contributions of LGBTQIA local community partners with live entertainment and free refreshments.

Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee
Come get to know the newest members of the Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee. This diverse group of leaders, business owners, and advocates advise the Mayor and Director Bowles on issues relating to DC's LGBTQIA+ community and the Office of LGBTQ Affairs.

• When: Monday, October 19, 6 pm -7 pm
• Where: DC LGBTQ+ Community Center (1827 Wiltberger St NW)
• RSVP: s.dc.gov/LGBTQMACoct

39th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race
Join us for the High Heel Race, cheering the queens, kings, and our community members as they sprint down 17th Street in heels, creativity, and pure DC spirit. From lively drag performances to thousands of neighbors filling the street, don't miss this DC night!

• When: Thursday, October 27, 6 pm-10 pm
• Where: 17th Street between R and P Streets NW
• RSVP: s.dc.gov/2026HHR

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