Rayceen Pendarvis
“You have to go through something to have a legacy. And it lets me know that those who of those who stood so I may twirl, and that I stood so others may twirl,”-Rayceen Pendarvis.
Rayceen Pendarvis is an event host, interviewer, moderator, commentator, panelist, inspirational speaker, social media personality, freelance columnist, wedding officiant, community advocate, and lifelong Washingtonian. For several decades, this dynamic personality has hosted numerous fundraisers, pride celebrations, community gatherings, talent showcases, arts festivals, fashion shows, balls, and other events.
Pendarvis was one of six siblings born in the District of Columbia to Robert, who served in the US military, and Mary, a social worker. As a student, Pendarvis attended McKinley High School and was active in the drama club, pep squad, and yearbook staff.
As a young person, Pendarvis became involved in activism and community advocacy, including racial equality, LGBTQ rights, and various social justice causes. After losing an astonishing number of family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances to HIV/AIDS in the 1980s, Pendarvis also became involved in fundraising, condom distribution, and sexual health education.
The community has honored Pendarvis many times over the past several years, including recognitions from the National Black Justice Coalition, GMHC’s Latex Ball in NYC, The DC Center for the LGBT Community, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, and the Council of the District of Columbia. In 2016, Capital Pride Alliance named Pendarvis a Capital Pride Hero. For the Best of LGBTQ Readers’ Choice Awards, Pendarvis appeared on the cover of the Washington Blade as their Local Hero in 2021 and was voted Most Committed Activist in 2022. In 2023, Pendarvis was declared a Saint by The DC Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. As an inspirational speaker, disseminator of information, and champion of various causes, Pendarvis has also earned the monikers High Priestess of Love, Queen of the Shameless Plug, and Goddess of DC.
Pendarvis has hosted and co-hosted various monthly, annual, and other recurring events in conjunction with DC Public Library, The DC Office of Aging and Community Living, The DC Center for the LGBT Community, the DC Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Story District, Art All Night, and Team Rayceen Productions. By having the distinction of being someone who has hosted or co-hosted numerous LGTBQ+ Pride celebrations in DC, including DC Black Pride, Capital Trans Pride, Youth Pride, Silver Pride, DC Latinx Pride, and District of Pride, Pendarvis is known as the Empress of Pride.
For ten years, Pendarvis hosted The Ask Rayceen Show (2012-2021), a monthly community gathering and live entertainment event in Washington, DC. In addition to live music and other performances, segments included panel discussions, interviews, competitions, comedy, and games. In 2021, for its tenth and final season, The Ask Rayceen Show was honored by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser with September 1st being declared THE ASK RAYCEEN SHOW DAY.
Online, Rayceen is active on social media and appears as a co-host on the Team Rayceen YouTube channel. For the latest information, please visit Rayceen.com
