News
Cheneys engage in family feud over marriage
Mary Cheney pushes back against Liz Cheney’s opposition to same-sex nuptials
Liz Cheney (Photo by Milonica; courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
The Cheney family is engaging in public spat over comments U.S. Senate candidate Liz Cheney made in opposition to gay nuptials despite her lesbian sister Mary Cheney’s same-sex marriage.
Liz Cheney, who’s challenging incumbent Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) for the Republican nomination in next year’s primary in Wyoming, distanced herself from her sister during an appearance on Fox News Sunday, saying “I believe in the traditional definition of marriage.”
“I love Mary very much, I love her family very much,” Liz Cheney said. “This is just an issue on which we disagree.”
Liz Cheney’s opposition to same-sex marriage stands out in her family.
Her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, is a prominent Republican supporter for same-sex marriage. Liz Cheney’s sister, Mary Cheney, married her partner, Heather Poe, in D.C. last year.
Poe was the first respond to Liz Cheney’s comments on Facebook, saying she was “very disappointed” to hear her sister-in-law’s remarks.
“To have her now say she doesn’t support our right to marry is offensive to say the least,” Poe continued. “I can’t help but wonder how Liz would feel if as she moved from state to state, she discovered that her family was protected in one but not the other. I always thought freedom meant freedom for EVERYONE.”
Poe’s remarks recalls Dick Cheney comments in support of same-sex marriage when he said during a National Press Club event, “I think freedom means freedom for everyone.”
Mary Cheney followed-up by sharing her spouse’s comments on Facebook and expressing her own displeasure with her sister’s remarks.
“Couldn’t have said it better myself,” Mary Cheney said. “Liz – this isn’t just an issue on which we disagree – you’re just wrong – and on the wrong side of history.”
Maryland
‘Girlfriends’ wanted for murder in Silver Spring, Md.
Montgomery County police say two charged with killing mother of one of them
The Montgomery County, Md., Department of Police announced on June 4 that it is seeking the public’s help in locating two women, who they identify as a couple, who are charged with first-degree murder for allegedly killing the mother of one of them.
In a statement police identified the two women as Vanessa Tjongarero-Henderson of Clarksburg, Md., and her girlfriend Samantha Raebel of Phoenix, Ariz. The statement says the two are charged with the murder of Hilde Henderson, 67, the mother of Vanessa.
According to the statement, officers with the department’s 3rd District found Hilde Henderson deceased on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at her home at the Charter House apartments in the 1300 block of Fenwick Lane in Silver Spring after being called to check on the resident’s welfare.
“Henderson was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where an autopsy was conducted,” the statement says. “The cause of death was ruled a homicide.”
It adds, “Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified Henderson’s daughter, Vanessa Tjongarero-Henderson and Vanessa’s girlfriend, Raeble, as the suspects.” It says detectives obtained an arrest warrant against the two women, charging both with first-degree murder.
“Anyone with information regarding the location of these suspects or this crime is asked to call 911 or to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, Md. website at crimesolversmcmd.org,” the statement says, or to call the tip line at 1-866-411-8477.
“Tips with information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward from $250 up to $10,000,” it says, adding that tips may remain anonymous.
A spokesperson for Montgomery County police didn’t immediately respond to a request from the Washington Blade for information not disclosed in the police statement, including the physical-medical cause of death for Hilde Henderson and whether detectives have determined a motive for the murder.
National
Madonna turns Times Square into massive dance floor
Pop icon celebrates Pride month with surprise performance
Pop icon Madonna celebrated Pride month with a pop-up performance in New York City’s Times Square on Thursday to the delight of 50,000 fans.
She performed for about 15 minutes high above street level, including several songs from her new album “Confessions II” due on July 3, along with a trio of songs from the first “Confessions on a Dance Floor.”
In addition to the brand new “Love Sensation,” she performed “I Feel So Free” and “Bring Your Love,” plus “Hung Up,” “Get Together” and “I Love New York.” She wished the crowd a happy Pride season; the event was shared with audiences through Grindr’s first-ever livestream.
The Washington Blade this week welcomed Emma LaPointe as its summer intern.
Emma is studying journalism, political science, and German studies at the University of Arizona. She is from Tucson, Ariz., and is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.
“I am super excited to spend my summer with the Washington Blade and to learn more about D.C.,” said Emma. “I have loved reporting on the LGBTQ+ community back in Tucson, and I am excited to continue the work here.”
Emma’s internship will end on July 31.
‘Girlfriends’ wanted for murder in Silver Spring, Md.
Queer Magic dance party planned
NLGJA-DC Pride happy hour at Trade
DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K set for Saturday
Calendar: June 5-11
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