Arts & Entertainment
Nike’s new ad celebrates trans vogue artist Leiomy Maldonado
Maldonado is the brand’s second featured trans athlete
Nike recognizes voguing as a sport in its newĀ ad starring transgender, vogue artist Leiomy MaldonadoĀ as part of itsĀ #betrue campaign.
Maldonado is known as the “Wonder Woman ofĀ Vogue” andĀ madeĀ her debut on MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew” in 2009. She is the brand’s second transgender athlete to be featured in a commercial.Ā Chris Mosier, the first transgender man to be included on the U.S. men’s national team, was the first.
Narrated byĀ Precious Angel Ramirez, the ad celebrates the art and athleticism of vogueing. Laverne Cox praised the ad and reposted the clip on Instagram captioned, “There’s so much to post and share this week, the girls are doing big things, trans folks are stepping forward with talent, vision and determination and I love you all.”
Watch the ad below.
Out & About
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Politicians slated to speak at annual Blue Moon party
The Washington Bladeās 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party returns Friday, May 17, 5-7 p.m. at the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave.) in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Itās an exciting election year in Delaware, which is poised to elect its first Black woman senator (Lisa Blunt Rochester) and the nationās first transgender member of Congress (Sarah McBride).
McBride is scheduled to speak at the party along with several politicos from the area. With the retirement of longtime state Rep. Peter C. Schwartzkopf, a staunch LGBTQ ally, three strong contenders are running to replace him. All three ā Marty Rendon, Kathy McGuiness, and Claire Snyder-Hall ā are slated to speak at the party. A representative from Blunt Rochesterās campaign is scheduled to speak, along with Kim Leisey, the new executive director of CAMP Rehoboth.
Tax-deductible tickets are $20 and available on Eventbrite or via the Bladeās Facebook page. The party is sponsored by Justin Noble of Sothebyās, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
Andy Cohen, executive producer of āThe Real Housewivesā franchise and host of āWatch What Happens Live,ā will return to Sixth & I on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
This event will be his fifth appearance at the venue to celebrate the paperback release of his New York Times bestselling memoir, āThe Daddy Diaries,ā talk about the latest Housewives happenings, and answer audience questions about everyone’s favorite Bravolebrities.
Cohen will be in conversation with Rep. Robert Garcia, who represents California and is the first LGBTQ immigrant to win a congressional seat. Rep. Garcia has also been known to quote from āThe Real Housewivesā in congressional hearings.
Tickets start at $12 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
āHerses- Purse Frist Extravaganzaā will be on Friday, May 3 at 9 p.m. at 1835 14th St. N.W. This will be an evening of dancing and performances, hosted by HAUS of Bambi Award-winning Performance Artist, BUMPER. Refreshments are also available for purchase.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.