Photo by anokarina.
With the U.S. Supreme Court striking down a law that prohibits same-sex couples from receiving federal partner benefits and rejecting California’s Proposition 8 banning same-sex wedding ceremonies, it didn’t take long for groups and business around D.C. to schedule rallies, prayer services, and drinks specials to commemorate the occasion.
Bars across the city tonight are offering extended happy hours, sudden open mic performances, and other specials. The Washington National Cathedral, as previously scheduled, will be holding a special prayer service for members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities. And District officials and marriage equality activists will be holding an event at Freedom Plaza.
Washington National Cathedral: The cathedral announced a few days ago that regardless of the outcomes of today’s decisions, it would hold a special LGBT service. Considering the earlier reaction outside the Supreme Court, tonight’s service will likely be a happy one. The Very Rev. Gary Hall, the dean of the National Cathedral, will preside over the service beginning at 7 p.m. The cathedral, one of the most famous sites in the Episcopalian Church, began performing same-sex weddings earlier this year.
Freedom Plaza: If it starts raining, this might be a short one, but local activists for marriage equality have a brief rally at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Vince Gray, who earlier today was one of many public officials to release statements praising the Supreme Court’s decisions, is expected to attend.
DRINK SPECIALS
Larry’s Lounge: KhushDC, an organization representing South Asian gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, is having a party at Larry’s Lounge (1836 18th Street NW) from 8 to 10 p.m.
Cobalt: The nightclub-complex at 1639 R Street has already been going for a while. It opened its doors at noon today; it usually opens at 5 p.m. Bartenders are serving $1 rail drinks and $2 Miller Lites until 9 p.m.
Nellie’s Sports Bar: This U Street hangout also got started early, throwing open its doors at 3 p.m. with two-for-one beers and $5 Absolut-ly I Do cocktails.
The Source: At the higher end of things, The Source, Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant at the Newseum (575 Pennsylvania Avenue), is running its Sushi & Sparkling special all night for $20.13. Typically, the raw fish-and-champagne deal is only offered Friday and Saturday evenings.
Number 9: Buy-one, get-one happy hour usually ends at 9 p.m. at this split-level bar (1435 P Street NW). Tonight, it goes until midnight.
And if you’re planning on celebrating today’s Supreme Court decisions, check our list of the best gay and lesbian bars in D.C.
