Last night, The New Gay editor Zack Rosen set out to determine once and for all whether all those heteros who flock to the Dupont High Heel Race every year are there to support the gay community, or just mock all the queens in dresses. This year, the pre-Halloween drag queen race was pushed into the political arena by a little administrative switch: Instead of a parade permit, the race secured a First Amendment permit, shifting the balance a bit from party to protest. So, are people who love watching gay guys stumble around in stripper heels as enthusiastic about supporting marriage equality? According to Rosen’s findings: Kinda.

Tomorrow, as per tradition, hundreds of drag queens will race down 17th Street between R and Church Streets NW. According to Metro Weekly, the 24th annual Dupont High Heel Race will see a couple of changes this year: One, you won’t be able to drink beer outside anymore. And two, it’s political this time.

Read More “Dupont High Heel Race Gets Political” »

The G.W. Hatchet (the paper for which I wrote anonymous bar reviews in my own college years) has a nice narrated slide show about one senior’s experience suiting up for the Dupont Circle High Heel Race. Hatchet reporter Marisa Kabas gives the profile treatment to Paul Rozenberg, who put on the big heels on Tuesday night.

“I don’t think that is my calling, to be a drag queen,” said Rozenberg, who is currently applying to law schools where he plans to study international financial law next fall.

Drag-queen-until graduation Rozenberg will be shedding a lot of ruffles, come law school: he’s also a director and performer for G.W.’s annual production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Thirty fabulous seconds from last night’s Dupont Circle High Heel Race. Includes: men in women’s clothing; giant phallic Washington Monument costume; swarming mob.

Trouble viewing? Try the youtube version.

It feels good to live in a city where city council candidates gather to vie for the attentions of several thousand intoxicated men dressed in glorious splendor. In case you missed Washington’s leggiest pre-Halloween tradition, the Dupont Circle High Heel Race, here’s some photo evidence of the event. It’s just a taste—I’ll upload a video later on.

In case you haven’t signed up to volunteer for the high heel race—or run it yourself—you can take in all the ostentatious glory of this pre-Halloween drag tradition tonight between P and S Streets on 17th Street. The parade up and down 17th (which will be closed) begins around 7 p.m.; the race starts at 9 p.m., and lasts about 15 minutes.

Photo of last year’s race by Poldavo (Alex)

The storied Dupont Circle High Heel Race is looking for volunteers who just like to watch. “It’s the best way to see the race,” insists Dave Perruzza, JR.’s Bar & Grill general manager and one of the event’s organizers. “You’re right in front. You can take pictures,” he says. “All you have to do is crowd control.”

While controlling thousands of intoxicated onlookers gathered to cheer on a horde of fabulously costumed, precariously footed sprinting men might seem like a tricky task, Perruzza insists the job is an easy one. “The volunteers are there to supplement a large police presence,” says Perruzza, who adds that this year’s race route will be extended slightly to help ease crowding. The longer route will require even more non-running bodies—Perruzza says he’s confirmed about 50 volunteers but is looking to sign up 100 more before the race, slated for Tuesday, Oct. 28.

Volunteers are essential to the yearly juggernaut, which is owned by no one and which benefits charity. This year, the event’s proceeds will go to Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets, the event’s sole sponsor. “You might see some guy in an Absolut dress running down the street, but it’s probably just some gay guy who like Absolut,” says Perruzza.

In contrast to the extravagant costuming of the race’s participants, volunteers will wear t-shirts. Those interested in helping run the high heel race—without running it themselves—can contract Perruzza at heelvolunteer@aol.com.