Bite the Fruit — Community & Pride

In 2026, LGBTQ couples face a complex landscape of intimacy issues shaped by a shifting political climate, evolving relationship models, and persistent societal stressors. 1. Political & Legal Anxiety Couples are navigating significant stress regarding the stability of their legal rights, which directly impacts emotional intimacy and long-term planning.  Marriage Inequality Fears: Recent studies indicate that nearly 80% of same-sex married couples are concerned about the potential overturning of Obergefell v. Hodges. This uncertainty can create a "survival mode" mentality, making it difficult for partners to feel secure and vulnerable within their relationship. Rolling Back Protections: Policy proposals for 2026,...

The Mid-Atlantic Leather (MAL) Weekend 2026, a major annual LGBTQ+ leather and fetish community event held in Washington DC, is scheduled for January 15–19, 2026. Key Event Details Host Venue: The primary festivities center at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Main Activities Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather Contest: The centerpiece competition where a titleholder is chosen. Leather Cocktails: A historic, formal social event held on Saturday evening. Exhibit Hall: A bustling marketplace featuring leather goods, fetish gear, and adult toys from various vendors. Hours: Friday, 4-10pm; Saturday, 11am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. Parties: High-energy circuit and fetish parties including "LUST" (kick-off), "KINK:...

The Beach Cowboy, Boy Butter’s new ad, is premiering during Season 18 of RuPaul’s Drag Race on MTV — Friday, January 2, 2026 at 8pm EST. Airing in NYC, New Jersey, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Denver, Los Angeles, and nationwide in Canada on OutTV. Also airing mornings on CNBC & Fox Business, and evenings on ESPN & Fox Sports. Starring Matthew Dubbe and video by StrawHatProductions.com. Bite the Fruit proudly carries Boy Butter lube and other products.

The Fabric of Freedom, May 17 to June 8 This year marks the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in Washington, DC. It is made even more momentous as the city is hosting WorldPride 2025. WorldPride brings together voices from around the world to support the LGBTQ+ community’s ongoing effort for equality, visibility, and justice.  The Fabric of Freedom theme emphasizes our community, woven together through our rich cultures, diverse identities and backgrounds. We encourage everyone to participate in this historic moment. Show up and support Pride events in Washington DC or wherever you are. We've highlighted a handful of events...

The Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill400 New Jersey Ave, NWWashington, DC Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend (MAL) is an annual LGBTQ+ celebration of the leather and kink communities. Produced and hosted by the Centaur Motorcycle Club, thousands participate in various events including Mr. MAL Contest, puppy play, dances, and Leather Cocktails. Bite the Fruit joins nearly 30 artisans, craftspeople and vendors of leather and fetish gear from across the country in the Exhibitor Hall. Leather Cocktails, a formal social with dinner on Saturday evening, is the cornerstone event of the weekend. The highlight of the evening is MAL’s parade of colors....