Arts & Entertainment
Sally Ride, other ‘Women of NASA’ honored with Lego set
Nancy Grace Roman, Margaret Hamilton are also included
(Photo via @Lego_group/Twitter.)
Lego is honoring the “Women of NASA,” the female scientists and astronauts who made groundbreaking achievements, with a special-edition set.
Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, is partnered with Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space, in their own set with a miniature Space Shuttle.
Ride is the first known LGBT astronaut. She married fellow astronaut Steve Hawley in 1982 but the couple divorced in 1987. After her death in 2012, her obituary revealed that she had been in a 27-year relationship with children’s science writer and former professional tennis player, Tam O’Shaughnessy.
Other “Women of NASA” honored include Nancy Grace Roman, one of the first female executives at NASA and known as “Mother of the Hubble” for her contributions to the Hubble Telescope. She is featured with a miniature Hubble Telescope.
Margaret Hamilton also gets her own mini Lego person standing next to a stack of navigation software in a recreation of the iconic 1969 photo.
The idea to honor “Women of NASA” was submitted by Deputy Editor of MIT News, Maia Weinstock as part of the Lego Ideas program. The set includes 231 pieces and costs $24.99. It hits stores on Nov. 1.
This is what #STEM is all about! Meet the pioneering Women of @NASA in LEGO form! ??? #LEGOIdeas #LEGOWomenOfNASA pic.twitter.com/4N7Zesd174
— LEGO (@LEGO_Group) October 18, 2017
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Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
