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‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ ‘Versace’ win big for LGBT TV at Emmys

‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,’ ‘Game of Thrones’ rack up the most awards

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RuPaul accepts the award for Outstanding Reality Competition Series (Screen capture by Joey DiGuglielmo)

The 70th annual Primetime Emmy Awards honored the best in television on Monday night including a few wins for LGBT TV.

The biggest night in television kicked off with an opening dance number led by “Saturday Night Live” cast membersĀ Kate McKinnon and Kenan Thompson. The bit jokingly celebrated Hollywood finally finding a solution to its diversity problem. McKinnon and Thompson were later joined on stage by other TV stars such as “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” star Tituss Burgess and RuPaul.

“Saturday Night Live” continued to represent itself as the show passed on to its hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che.

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” made herstory with its win forĀ Outstanding Reality Competition Series rounding out five total wins for the show. RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Ross Matthews and Carson Kressley all were on stage to accept the award.

“Thank you to the Academy. This is so lovely. We are so happy to present this show. I would like to thank, on behalf of the 140 drag queens we have released into the wild, I’d love to thank Dick Richards for introducing me to Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey,” RuPaul said in his speech.Ā  “All of the dreamers out there, listen,” he said. “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else? Can I get an amen up in here? Now let the music play.”

RuPaul also won his third consecutive award for Outstanding Host at the Creative Arts Emmys.

“The Assassination of Gianni Versace” also was honored with Ryan Murphy winningĀ Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special and Darren Criss winningĀ Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie. The show also won Outstanding Limited Series. Murphy used his speech to spotlight hate crimes against the LGBTQ community.

ā€œā€˜The Assassination of Gianni Versaceā€™ is about a lot of things, itā€™s about homophobia, internalized and externalized,ā€ Murphy said in his acceptance speech. ā€œOne of out of every four LGBTQ people in this country will be the victim of a hate crime. We dedicate this award to them, to awareness, to stricter hate crime laws, and mostly, this is for the memory of Jeff and David and Gianni and for all of those taken too soon. Thank you very much.ā€

LGBT representation continued throughout the night with lesbian comedian Hannah Gadbys, known for her critically acclaimed Netflix special “Nanette,” who presented Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. The cast of “Queer Eye” also took the stage to present as well as RuPaul and Leslie Jones, who recently became close after Jones’ “Drag Race” binge.

“Game of Thrones” was the big winner of the night taking home nine awards including Outstanding Drama Series.Ā “The Marvelous Mrs. Maiselā€ followed close behind with eight awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, and “Saturday Night Live” also won eight awards.

Other notable moments of the night were Henry Winkler’s first Emmy win in his decades-long career forĀ Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for “Barry;” an appearance from Betty White and Glenn Weiss who used his win forĀ Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special to propose to his girlfriend on stage.

The complete list of winners is below.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Brian Tyree Henry ā€“ ā€œAtlantaā€ (FX)
Louie Anderson ā€“ ā€œBasketsā€ (FX)
Kenan Thompson ā€“ ā€œSaturday Night Liveā€ (NBC)
Tituss Burgess ā€“ ā€œUnbreakable Kimmy Schmidtā€ (Netflix)
Henry Winkler ā€“ ā€œBarryā€ (HBO)Ā 
Alec Baldwin ā€“ ā€œSaturday Night Liveā€ (NBC)
Tony Shalhoub ā€“ ā€œThe Marvelous Mrs. Maiselā€ (Amazon)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Zazie Beetz ā€“ ā€œAtlantaā€ (FX)
Laurie Metcalf ā€“ ā€œRoseanneā€ (ABC)
Leslie Jones ā€“ ā€œSaturday Night Liveā€ (NBC)
Alex Borstein ā€“ ā€œThe Marvelous Mrs. Maiselā€ (Amazon)Ā 
Betty Gilpin ā€“ ā€œGLOWā€ (Netflix)
Aidy Bryant ā€“ ā€œSaturday Night Liveā€ (NBC)
Kate McKinnon ā€“ ā€œSaturday Night Liveā€ (NBC)
Megan Mullally ā€“ ā€œWill & Graceā€ (NBC)

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
Donald Glover ā€“ ā€œAtlantaā€ (FX)
Stefani Robinson ā€“ ā€œAtlantaā€ (FX)
Alec Berg, Bill Hader ā€“ ā€œBarryā€ (HBO
Liz Sarnoff ā€“ ā€œBarryā€ (HBO)
Alec Berg ā€“ ā€œSilicon Valleyā€ (HBO)
Amy Sherman-Palladino ā€“ ā€œThe Marvelous Mrs. Maiselā€ (Amazon)

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
Donald Glover ā€“ ā€œAtlantaā€ (FX)
Hiro Murai ā€“ ā€œAtlantaā€ (FX)
Bill Hader ā€“ ā€œBarryā€ (HBO)
Mark Cendrowski ā€“ ā€œThe Big Bang Theoryā€ (CBS)
Jesse Peretz ā€“ ā€œGLOWā€ (Netflix)
Mike Judge ā€“ ā€œSilicon Valleyā€ (HBO)
Amy Sherman-Palladino ā€“ ā€œThe Marvelous Mrs. Maiselā€ (Amazon)Ā 

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Pamela Adlon ā€“ ā€œBetter Thingsā€ (FX)
Lily Tomlin ā€“ ā€œGrace & Frankieā€ (Netflix)
Allison Janney ā€“ ā€œMomā€ (CBS)
Tracee Ellis Ross ā€“ ā€œBlack-ishā€ (ABC)
Issa Rae ā€“ ā€œInsecureā€ (HBO)
Rachel Brosnahan ā€“ ā€œThe Marvelous Mrs. Maiselā€ (Amazon)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Anthony Anderson ā€“ ā€œBlack-ishā€(ABC)
Ted Danson ā€“ ā€œThe Good Placeā€ (NBC)
Larry David ā€“ ā€œCurb Your Enthusiasmā€ (HBO)
Donald Glover ā€“ ā€œAtlantaā€ (FX)
Bill Hader ā€“ ā€œBarryā€ (HBO)
William H. Macy ā€“ ā€œShamelessā€ (Showtime)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
Adina Porter ā€“ ā€œAmerican Horror Story: Cultā€ (FX)
Merritt Wever ā€“ ā€œGodlessā€ (Netflix)
Penelope Cruz ā€“ ā€œThe Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Storyā€ (FX)
Letitia Wright ā€“ ā€œBlack Museumā€ (ā€œBlack Mirrorā€) (Netflix)
Sara Bareilles ā€“ ā€œJesus Christ Superstar Live in Concertā€ (NBC)
Judith Light ā€“ ā€œThe Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Storyā€ (FX)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
Jeff Daniels ā€“ ā€œGodlessā€ (Netflix)
Ricky Martin ā€“Ā ā€œThe Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Storyā€ (FX)
Finn Wittrock ā€“Ā ā€œThe Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Storyā€ (FX)
John Leguizamo ā€“ ā€œWacoā€ (Paramount Network)
Brandon Victor Dixon ā€“ ā€œJesus Christ Superstar Live in Concertā€ (NBC)
Edgar Ramirez ā€“Ā ā€œThe Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Storyā€ (FX)
Michael Stuhlbarg ā€“ ā€œThe Looming Towerā€ (Hulu)

Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special
Kevin McManus, Matthew McManus ā€“ ā€œAmerican Vandalā€ (Netflix)
Scott Frank ā€“ ā€œGodlessā€ (Netflix)
David Nicholls ā€“ ā€œPatrick Melroseā€ (Showtime)
Tom Rob Smith ā€“ ā€œThe Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Storyā€ (FX)
David Lynch, Mark Frost ā€“ ā€œTwin Peaksā€ (Showtime)
William Bridges, Charlie Brooker ā€“ ā€œUSS Callisterā€ (“Black Mirror”) (Netflix)Ā 

Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special
Scott Frank ā€“ ā€œGodlessā€ (Netflix)
David Leveaux, Alex Rudzinski ā€“ ā€œJesus Christ Superstar Live in Concertā€ (NBC)
Barry Levinson ā€“ ā€œPaternoā€ (HBO)
Edward Berger ā€“ ā€œPatrick Melroseā€ (Showtime)
Ryan Murphy ā€“ ā€œThe Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Storyā€ (FX)Ā 
Craig Zisk ā€“ ā€œThe Looming Towerā€ (Hulu)
David Lynch ā€“ ā€œTwin Peaksā€ (Showtime)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie
Jessica Biel ā€“ ā€œThe Sinnerā€ (USA Network)
Laura Dern ā€“ ā€œThe Taleā€ (HBO)
Michelle Dockery ā€“ ā€œGodlessā€ (Netflix)
Edie Falco ā€“ ā€œLaw & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murdersā€ (NBC)
Regina King ā€“ ā€œSeven Secondsā€ (Netflix)
Sarah Paulson ā€“ ā€œAmerican Horror Story: Cultā€ (FX)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie
Antonio Banderas ā€“ ā€œGenius: Picassoā€ (National Geographic)
Darren Criss ā€“ ā€œAssassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Storyā€ (FX)Ā 
Benedict Cumberbatch ā€“ ā€œPatrick Melroseā€ (Showtime)
Jeff Daniels ā€“ ā€œThe Looming Towerā€ (Hulu)
John Legend ā€“ ā€œJesus Christ Superstar Live In Concertā€ (NBC)
Jesse Plemons ā€“ ā€œUSS Callisterā€/ā€Black Mirrorā€ (Netflix)

Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special
Melinda Taub, Samantha Bee ā€“ ā€œFull Frontal With Samantha Bee Presents: The Great American* Puerto Rico (*Itā€™s Complicated)ā€ (TBS)
John Mulaney ā€“ ā€œJohn Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous At Radio Cityā€ (Netflix)
Michelle Wolf ā€“ ā€œMichelle Wolf: Nice Ladyā€ (HBO)
Patton Oswalt ā€“ ā€œPatton Oswalt: Annihilationā€ (Netflix)
Steve Martin, Martin Short ā€“ ā€œSteve Martin & Martin Short: An Evening You Will Forget For The Rest Of Your Lifeā€ (Netflix)

Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special
Stan Lathan ā€“ ā€œDave Chappelle: Equanimityā€ (Netflix)
Michael Bonfiglio ā€“ ā€œJerry Seinfeld: Jerry Before Seinfeldā€ (Netflix)
Marcus Raboy ā€“ ā€œSteve Martin & Martin Short: An Evening You Will Forget For The Rest Of Your Lifeā€ (Netflix)
Hamish Hamilton ā€“ ā€œSuper Bowl LII Halftime Show Starring Justin Timberlakeā€ (NBC)
Glenn Weiss ā€“ ā€œThe Oscarsā€ (ABC)Ā 

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau ā€“ ā€œGame of Thronesā€ (HBO)
Mandy Patinkin ā€“ ā€œHomelandā€ (Showtime)
Matt Smith ā€“ ā€œThe Crownā€ (Netflix)
Peter Dinklage ā€“ ā€œGame of Thronesā€ (HBO)
David Harbour ā€“ ā€œStranger Thingsā€ (Netflix)
Joseph Fiennes ā€“ ā€œThe Handmaidā€™s Taleā€ (Hulu)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Lena Headey ā€“Ā ā€œGame of Thronesā€ (HBO)
Vanessa Kirby ā€“ ā€œThe Crownā€ (Netflix)
Ann Dowd ā€“ ā€œThe Handmaidā€™s Taleā€ (Hulu)
Thandie Newton ā€“ ā€œWestworldā€ (HBO)Ā 
Millie Bobby Brown ā€“ ā€œStranger Thingsā€ (Netflix)
Alexis Bledel ā€“ ā€œThe Handmaidā€™s Taleā€ (Hulu)
Yvonne Strahovski ā€“ ā€œThe Handmaidā€™s Taleā€ (Hulu)

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
David Benioff, D.B. Weiss ā€“ ā€œGame of Thronesā€ (HBO)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge ā€“ ā€œKilling Eveā€ (BBC America)
The Duffer Brothers ā€“ ā€œStranger Thingsā€ (Netfix)
Joe Fields, Joe Weisberg ā€“ ā€œThe Americansā€ (FX)Ā 
Peter Morgan ā€“ ā€œThe Crownā€ (Neflix)
Bruce Miller ā€“ ā€œThe Handmaidā€™s Taleā€ (Hulu)

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Alan Taylor ā€“ ā€œGame of Thronesā€ (HBO)
Jeremy Podeswa ā€“ ā€œGame of Thronesā€ (HBO)
Jason Bateman ā€“ ā€œOzarkā€ (Netflix)
Daniel Sackheim ā€“ ā€œOzarkā€ (Netflix)
The Duffer Brothers ā€“ ā€œStranger Thingsā€ (Netflix)
Stephen Daldry ā€“ ā€œThe Crownā€ (Netflix)Ā 
Kari Skogland ā€“ ā€œThe Handmaidā€™s Taleā€ (Hulu)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Jason Bateman ā€“ ā€œOzarkā€ (Netflix)
Sterling K. Brown ā€“ ā€œThis Is Usā€ (NBC)
Ed Harris ā€“ ā€œWestworldā€ (HBO)
Matthew Rhys ā€“ ā€œThe Americansā€ (FX)
Milo Ventimiglia ā€“ ā€œThis Is Usā€ (NBC)
Jeffrey Wright ā€“ ā€œWestworldā€ (HBO)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Claire Foy ā€“ ā€œThe Crownā€ (Netflix)Ā 

Tatiana Maslany ā€“ ā€œOrphan Blackā€ (BBC America)
Elisabeth Moss ā€“ ā€œThe Handmaidā€™s Taleā€ (Hulu)
Sandra Oh ā€“ ā€œKilling Eveā€ (BBC America)
Keri Russell ā€“ ā€œThe Americansā€ (FX)
Evan Rachel Wood ā€“ ā€œWestworldā€ (HBO)

Outstanding Reality Competition Program
ā€œAmerican Ninja Warriorā€ (NBC)
ā€œProject Runwayā€ (Lifetime)
ā€œRuPaulā€™s Drag Raceā€ (VH1)Ā 
ā€œThe Amazing Raceā€ (CBS)
ā€œThe Voiceā€ (NBC)
ā€œTop Chefā€ (Bravo)

Outstanding Variety Sketch Series
ā€œAt Home with Amy Sedarisā€ (TruTV)
ā€œDrunk Historyā€ (Comedy Central)
ā€œI Love You, America with Sarah Silvermanā€ (Hulu)
ā€œPortlandiaā€ (IFC)
ā€œSaturday Night Liveā€ (NBC)
ā€œThe Tracey Ullman Showā€ (HBO)

Outstanding Variety Talk Series
ā€œThe Daily Show With Trevor Noahā€ (Comedy Central)
ā€œFull Frontal With Samantha Beeā€ (TBS)
ā€œJimmy Kimmel Live!ā€ (ABC)
ā€œLast Week Tonight With John Oliverā€ (HBO)
ā€œThe Late Late Show With James Cordenā€ (CBS)
ā€œThe Late Show With Stephen Colbertā€ (CBS)

Outstanding Limited Series
ā€œGenius: Picassoā€ (National Geographic)
ā€œGodlessā€ (Netflix)
ā€œPatrick Melroseā€ (Showtime)
ā€œThe Alienistā€ (TNT)
ā€œThe Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Storyā€ (FX)

Outstanding Comedy Series
ā€œAtlantaā€ (FX)
ā€œBarryā€ (HBO)
ā€œBlack-ishā€ (ABC)
ā€œCurb Your Enthusiasmā€ (HBO)
ā€œGLOWā€ (Netflix)
ā€œThe Marvelous Ms. Maiselā€ (Amazon)
ā€œSilicon Valleyā€ (HBO)
ā€œUnbreakable Kimmy Schmidtā€ (Netflix)

Outstanding Drama Series
ā€œThe Americansā€ (FX)
ā€œThe Crownā€ (Netflix)
ā€œGame of Thronesā€ (HBO)Ā 
ā€œThe Handmaidā€™s Taleā€ (Hulu)
ā€œStranger Thingsā€ (Netflix)
ā€œThis Is Usā€ (NBC)
ā€œWestworldā€ (HBO)

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Movies

Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells want to adopt baby in ‘I Don’t Understand You’

Film premiered at SXSW in Austin

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(Courtesy photo)

Editor’s note: Jack Morningstar attended SXSW in Austin, Texas.

“I Don’t Understand You” focuses on a couple whose romantic Italian getaway devolves into bloody chaos while they prepare to adopt their first child.Ā 

The film, while veering into hilariously gruesome hijinks, tells the story of a gay couple who is willing to kill for a chance at fatherhood. It sheds light on the hurdles that same-sex couples often go through in the adoption process: Financial burdens, time constraints, fraud, and in this case, a rural Italian family.

The film premiered last weekend at SXSW in Austin and stars Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells along with Nunzia Schiano, Morgan Spector and Eleonora Romandini. It was written and directed by Brian Crano and David Craig, who are married. They sourced inspiration from their own adoption struggles and an Italian vacay gone wrong. 

ā€œWe were about to leave for Italy when we found out that we had matched with a birth mother and our son would be born in about six weeks,ā€ said Crano. 

According to Craig, the trip was tense and it culminated in their car getting stuck in a ditch on their way to an anniversary dinner.

ā€œWe ended up at an old ladyā€™s house after she rescued us in her Fiat. Her family cooked us a meal and we stayed up drinking with them until 3 a.m., not understanding a word they were saying,ā€ he said.

Without spoiling anything, the couple in the movie go to absurd lengths to ensure that their adoption goes through. Craig explained that the theme of the movie was “what would you do for your kid.”Ā 

“We were three years into our own journey at the time and realized we would literally do anything to make that dream a reality. Itā€™s really a love letter to our son,ā€ he said.

The film is hard to relegate to a single genre. 

ā€œWhen conceiving the story, we saw it as different parts ā€” romantic comedy, horror movie, murder play ā€” but I think by bringing in Nick and Andrew that blend actually became much more of an organic mix where the comedy sustained throughout. They elevated it in a more elegant fashion,ā€ said Craig. 

“I Donā€™t Understand You”was produced by Pinky Promise, a women-led production company with the mission to elevate diverse voices in their storytelling. Kara Durrett, Pinky Promiseā€™s current president was a champion of this script from the beginning. Founder Jessamine Burgum recounts that when Durrett was onboarding, she said ā€œIf you donā€™t get [“I Donā€™t Understand You”] I donā€™t know if this is going to work.ā€ 

It ultimately became one of the first projects Burgum and Durrett collaborated on.Ā 

Kroll and Rannellsā€™ chemistry carried the film. 

ā€œThere was a desire to work with each of them because they had both separately been in such amazing comedian teams ā€” like Andrew with Josh Gad and Nick with John Mulaney. Nick and Andrewā€™s characters are in almost every scene of the movie together, so they needed to be adept to basically doing a shared performance. There was no one more well-positioned to do this as naturally as possible,ā€ said Crano. 

Their characters are easy to root for, yet also deeply flawed. 

ā€œA big thing we wanted to do with this movie, and with all of our work in telling stories, is avoid telling a cliched gay trauma film. Weā€™ve never ascribed to the idea that there is a subcategory to film that is LGBTQ, rather ā€” movies are for everyone. We want to make a movie where gay characters are flawed, not for being gay, but because of who they are. They can be villains, but they are our protagonists,ā€ said Craig. 

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Out & About

Celebrate spring with these D.C.-area events

Galas, Cherry Weekend, Pride, and more on tap

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The annual Pride on the Pier with fireworks show is set for Saturday, June. 8 at the Wharf. (Photo courtesy of The Wharf DC)

Temperatures outside are starting to rise and the sun is shining again. Hereā€™s a list of upcoming D.C. events that can make enjoying the good weather even that much more thrilling.

Cherry Weekend Washington begins on Thursday, April 4. The Cherry weekend is a spectacular and joyous event held over four days featuring 16 world renowned DJs, nine different events and four fun daytime parties.

3rd Friday Night Open Mic will take place on Thursday, March 15 at 9 p.m. at the Bus Boys and Poets location in Brookland. This event will be hosted by Mariah Barber (they/she), a queer storyteller, consultant, spoken word artist, and activist who has been creating social justice-oriented art for the last 15 years. Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.Ā 

RuPaulā€™s Drag Race Season 15 winner Sasha Colby will bring her Sasha Colby: Stripped Tour to the Howard Theatre on Wednesday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased on the Howard Theatreā€™s website.Ā 

Decades DC returns with Throwback Thursdays on Thursday, March 14 at 10 p.m. This event will have an open air rooftop and the first drink is on the house. Entry is free until midnight and more details are available on Eventbrite.Ā 

Skin and Wellness Center will host Equinox Celebration on Tuesday, March 19 at 7 p.m. at 929 W. Broad St. This event will involve movement, breath work, meditation and community connection to celebrate the spring equinox and embrace energies of rebirth, fertility, creativity, balance, and expansive growth for mind, body, and spirit. Tickets cost $28.52 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.Ā 

Models Inc. will host The Front Row! Fashion Show on Saturday, March 30 at 7 p.m. at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre. This is the ultimate destination for designers seeking to showcase their talent and brand. This exclusive event provides a platform to promote artistry and visions, featuring various artists, creatives, fashion enthusiasts, models, stylists, and visionaries. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.Ā 

Spring Bling Adult Prom will be on Friday, April 26 at 8 p.m. at Graces Event Center. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite spring colors and show up for a night of dancing, food and fun.Tickets cost $92.55 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

TSR Productions will host Spring Salsa Bash on Saturday, March 23 at 8 p.m. at The Salsa Room Tysons. This event will feature Hermanos Galvan and Orquesta live in concert playing the best salsa, bachata, and merengue. There will also be top DJs playing the best in Latin trap, urbana, reggaetton. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.Ā 

We Will Survive Cancer will host Spring Fling Cocktail & Dance Party on Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Whino. This event will be hosted by DJ Steve. Tickets cost $25 and all proceeds are donated to cancer patients. More details are on Eventbrite.

Chase Brexton Health Care hosts its 2024 Gala at the Baltimore Museum of Art, with the theme centered around the NEW Roaring ā€˜20s on Saturday, March 30. Details at chasebrexton.org.Ā 

CAMP Rehobothā€™s annual Womenā€™s FEST is scheduled for April 25-28. Lea DeLaria will headline with Crys Matthews opening. Visit camprehoboth.org for details.

Trans Pride Washington, D.C. is scheduled for Saturday, May 18. The full day of conference activities will take place at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Visit transpridewashingtondc.org for details.

The Bladeā€™s 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach is scheduled for Friday, May 17; details to be announced soon.

D.C.ā€™s 49th annual Pride celebration kicks off May 31-June 9, culminating with the parade and festival. Visit capitalpride.org for details. The annual Pride on the Pier with fireworks celebration is slated for Saturday, June 8, 2-9 p.m. at the Wharf. Visit prideonthepierdc.com for details.

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Travel

Gay hotel company brings luxury to Puerto Vallarta

Tryst Puerto Vallarta to open this spring

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Tryst Puerto Vallarta (Photo courtesy of Tristan Schukraft)

The Tryst Puerto Vallarta begins welcoming discerning gay guests this spring, just in time for the Mexican resort city’s Pride celebrations. 

The 55-room resort includes a penthouse suite featuring two terraces, three large suites with expansive living areas and terraces and several junior suites with unique features. A highly anticipated rooftop pool with a bar area and restaurant offering fine Mexican cuisine are just some of the highlights. 

ā€œYou can stay here and never leave the resort,ā€ said Tristan Schukraft, the driving force behind Tryst Hotels, and self-described CEO of “everything gay.”

While he started out in his career working in the early days of electronic ticketing, Schukraft may be more known for his work with MISTR, a popular online source for PrEP. He also recently entered into an agreement to purchase the Abbey in West Hollywood, Calif.

With Tryst he promises “itā€™s a fun, exciting atmosphere.” 

“The idea is not just the guests are coming to the resort, but locals,” said Schukraft. “So, when you stay here itā€™s the way to mingle with the local gay community.ā€

To welcome and include both guests and locals, the resort will host drag brunches in the hotel restaurant. Weekend parties featuring DJs on the eighth floor pool and bar area also seeks to make this not just a place to stay, but one to celebrate with the community.

Schukraft hopes visitors will get to know guests or locals poolside, or in the restaurant, and make lifelong friendships. 

Or perhaps find a bit of romance: After all the hotel is set in the famed Zona RomĆ”ntica.  

ā€œTryst Hotels are not merely luxury destinations; they are a celebration of gay culture, where every guest is embraced,” said Schukraft. “Our mission is to create spaces where luxury and identity flourish without compromise.ā€

Tryst Hotels CEO Tristan Schukraft. (Photo courtesy of Tristan Schukraft)

The D.C. Travel and Adventure Show took place last month in D.C., and LGBTQ-specific travel was among the topics the convention highlighted. The Washington Blade in its preview of the expo noted LGBTQ travelers may book a resort or vacation that promises “everyone is welcome,” but upon arrival feel uncomfortable by reactions of staff or other guests due to expressing their identity as queer people. 

Schukraft has experienced this. 

ā€œI was at a hetero-friendly hotel Miami, but it was also marketed to gay men,” he explained. “So, you have two guys kissing at the pool and you have a straight couple looking over and wondering are they staying at a gay hotel. Itā€™s sort of an awkward occurrence.ā€ 

Everyone, therefore, is welcome at Tryst resorts, but it is not being marketed outside of the community. 

ā€œMy boyfriends and I have even experienced side-eye glances for our choice of swimwear,” Schukraft said. “You wonā€™t find that at Tryst Hotels.ā€

Speaking of attire: Many luxury guesthouses, inns and hotels catering to gay men offer clothing-optional zones for guests. Itā€™s an allure for some travelers. 

But, not at Tryst.

ā€œDonā€™t get me wrong, clothing optional resorts are fun, but thatā€™s not our concept. Our concept is a luxurious, inclusive resort,ā€ Schukraft said with a touch of elan apropos for the “CEO of everything gay.” ā€œOf course wear your thongs [and] Speedos.ā€

Tryst Puerto Vallarta and Tryst San Juan in Puerto Rico, which is slated to open in 2025, are being marketed as gay-owned, gay-focused resorts with luxurious offerings and amenities. Many resorts known to epitomize luxury may be seen as slightly conservative or ā€œstuffy.ā€ 

Luxury promises not to come only in the form of superior bedding, bathrobes, slippers and skincare products, but also in the stunning interiors. 

The Puerto Vallarta property engaged the same studio known for their acclaimed work at the Four Seasons Tamarindo. Designers from Estudio Esterlina bring a refined mix of minimalism, modernism and Mexican.Ā 

ā€œWhy canā€™t you have fun and luxury in the same space? Here, you let your hair down by the pool, enjoy a pool party, a fine Mexican meal in our full-service restaurant, a drag brunch on weekends and socialize with new friends all while feeling safe,” Schukraft said. “Our goal is to show luxury doesnā€™t have to mean stuffy.ā€

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