Connecting to Community in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, & Virgina)
Moving to the DMV area can be exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. It’s obvious the area has a lot to offer, but how do you make friends? How can you find YOUR people? Especially for LGBTQ+, disabled, and non-white people, it can be hard to find spaces where you can feel connected and seen. Below are some tips for finding your community, and making the DMV your home.
Social Groups & Events
One of the best ways to meet people in the area is to attend events on your interests!
A lot of these groups host both large-scale where you’re part of a crowd and small-scale events where you can connect in smaller groups.
DC Capitol Pride
DC Capitol Pride hosts and promotes events year round, most especially in the summer. Events like World Pride and Capitol Pride can be huge, making it difficult to make lasting connections. For community building, look out for smaller gatherings, talks, and events.
Trans Pride
Trans Pride 2025 is set for May 17, 2025! This is an incredible community event with tons of opportunities to meet people and build long-lasting connections. This year’s event will include Community Empowerment Workshops, Support & Resources, and Talented Performances.
DC Black Pride
DC Black Pride takes place every year during Memorial Weekend. 2025 Memorial Day weekend is May 24 - May 26. During this weekend more than 500,000 members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community of African descent and their allies come to Washington DC to celebrate the beauty of a shared community and raise awareness and funding for HIV/AIDS in the name and spirit of Black Pride. Events big and small happen all weekend long!
DC Latinx Pride
2025 Latinx Pride’s theme is ¡Libre Soy! It’s a declaration that our freedom to exist, love, and celebrate can never be taken away.
Events for 2025 haven’t been announced, but we can expect social gatherings, cultural showcases, and dynamic conversations!
Queer and Transgender Asian & Pacific Islander Coalition
This organization’s mission is to build community for queer and trans API residents in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, to uplift voices and advocate for social justice issues through an LGBTQ+ and API lens. AQUA works closely with other API and queer-identified organizations through advocacy, coalition building, education, networking, outreach, and support events.
This year’s API Pride is May 28 - June 5, 2025! Events include social hours, history panels, workshops, and moving screenings!
