As you know, yesterday was a long long day. Up at 5am trying to get into the inauguration. And then taking Metro back to Bethesda took at least 2 and a half hours (I can’t even remember if I explained that the crowds at Union Station were so insane that we decided to walk to another station – New York and Vermont – about 1.5 miles?). So, we came home and hung out with the friends and watched the parade on television.
I had every intention of at least making it to the pre Out for Equality Ball but couldn’t do it. I needed that extra hour!! Finally, we started our trip back into the city to attend the Western Ball. Here’s how the parties work: there are ten ‘official’ balls that are invitation only. Those official balls are the events that the President and the Vice President attend, dance with their spouses, make brief remarks. Previously, there was a ball per state or two or three states. President Obama had his by region: mid western, mid atlantic, western, northeast, etc. There was a neighborhood ball and a youth ball.
Now, the Out for Equality event was at the exact same time. This event was an all inclusive lgbt national community organizations and non-profits coming together to plan one event for the lgbt community. This was VERY frustrating, because we basically had to choose which event to go to, given that all traffic was gridlocked and cabs were impossible to come by, let alone the crowds on the Metro and getting there and getting back. Oh, and did I mention SEEING THE PRESIDENT?!? We decided to go to the Western Ball. The LGBT community’s presence is important, and trust me, we definitely got some stares. But it’s all good. Folks need to SEE us and MEET us, you know?
Anyhow. Here’s a preview of the ‘official’ portrait from the Ball:
When you entered the room, IT WAS ENORMOUS! Literally, they said thousands of people. I didn’t think it was thousands, but it was large enough. Unfortunately, a lack of San Franciscans in the room. We spotted Marcia Smolens and her husband Richard, Hala Hijazi, Shanda Scott, Obama campaigner superstar Ellie Koss, Gweneth Borden. Here’s a shot of the room:
What they say about the food was totally on point. It was not good. And we did not make it to dinner before. Drinks were pricey ($9 for well and $6 for beer) but doable. Entertainers were all over the inaugural events. One thing I forgot to mention yesterday is that P. Diddy rolled up while we were waiting to get into the inauguration? Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez played the Western Ball. Here’s a shot of Marc Anthony:
Kanye West played the Youth Ball. Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder played the Neighborhood Ball.
Here are some shots of the President and the Vice President:
Sorry we didn’t get bonafide pix of them. Just couldn’t get close enough. …
So the end of an unforgettable day. As we left, we took one last shot of the crowd:
Enjoy these ‘postcard’ shots of the scenery:
