ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-130
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
October 3, 2023
To celebrate the annual 17 th Street High Heel Race, a unique and beloved LGBTQ+ tradition in
the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, on October 31, 1986, a group of 25 drag performers and enthusiasts held an
informal contest that involved running from JR’s Bar down 17th Street, N.W., to Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse, upstairs to the bar for a shot of schnapps, and back;
WHEREAS, Clinton Winter’s victory was rewarded with a bottle of champagne and
immortal renown as the first ever winner of the 17th Street High Heel Race;
WHEREAS, the 17th Street High Heel Race has become an annual tradition that brings
together thousands of lively participants and spectators of all genders and sexualities the week of Halloween;
WHEREAS, the race is also a cherished community celebration showcasing the diversit y,
creativity, and vibrancy of members of the District’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer,
and other gender and sexual minori ty (LGBTQ+) communities;
WHEREAS, in 2018, the District of Columbia Office of LGBTQ Affairs assumed
responsibility for organizing the annual 17th Street High Heel Race;
WHEREAS, the Office suspended the annual race in 2020 due to the COVID -19
pandemic but resumed the race in 2021; and
WHEREAS, on, the beloved tradition will continue to bring together drag arti tists of all
backgrounds to show off their dazzling outfits and colorful high heel shoes to race down historic
17th Street, N.W.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “ 17th Street High Heel Race Recognition Resolution of 2023”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia celebrates the 17th Street High Heel
Race and wishes each of the participants a speedy, vibrant, and safe race.
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately .