Arts & Entertainment
‘AbFab’ returns!
BBC fave comes to Logo, Chaz puts on his dancing shoes
A new Logo acquisition heralds the return of Patsy and Edina in gay cult favorite ‘AbFab.’ (Photo courtesy Logo/BBC)
ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” starts Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. and this season’s cast is already generating buzz thanks to the inclusion of Chaz Bono, the show’s first trans contestant.
Cher, Bono’s mother, has taken to Twitter, blasting the critics and encouraging her followers to support him. His partner, Lacey Schwimmer, who danced with Lance Bass her first season as a pro on the show, has shown support.
“I just think it’s absolutely ridiculous when people have anything negative to say about anybody other than themselves,” Schwimmer told E! Online. “It’s not fair. It’s not nice. And it’s degrading. I really get sad about it.”
‘Dancing’ executive producer Conrad Green has also spoken out.
“We thought Chaz’s story was pretty compelling,” Green told E! Online. “He comes from Hollywood royalty and obviously the personal changes in his life have been quite profound.”
Former “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” Carson Kressley, is also a part of the cast and will be dancing with Anna Trebunskaya.
“Modern Family,” with gay couple Cameron and Mitchell, returns Sept. 21 at 9 p.m.
“Grey’s Anatomy” returns with a two-hour premiere on Sept. 22 at 9 p.m. When season seven ended, Arizona Robbins and Callie Torres, played by Jessica Capshaw and Sara Ramirez, had just gotten married after a pregnant Callie nearly died in a car accident.
ABC Family’s “Pretty Little Liars” may have had its summer finale and the second half of the season won’t start until the new year, but a special Halloween-themed episode will air Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. The episode, which takes place before the series premiere, will offer a glimpse of the relationship lesbian Emily, played by Shay Mitchell, had with her friend Allison.
Fox’s “Glee” begins its third season Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. Previews have shown Blaine, Kurt’s love interest, out of his Dalton uniform and dancing with Santana and the rest of the Cheerios while Quinn sports a new look. Sue Sylvester, played by out actress Jane Lynch, even gets glitter-bombed by Will. And don’t forget Lynch is hosting the Emmys on Fox Sept. 18 at 8 p.m.
The Oprah Winfrey Network has two new shows coming with familiar gay faces.
Rosie O’Donnell is returning to television with her own show, “The Rosie Show,” starting Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. Suze Orman will be joining Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz for “Ask Oprah’s All Stars,” which premieres Oct. 16 at 8 p.m.
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” starts its ninth season Monday. Her premiere week guests have already been revealed and Ashton Kutcher will be giving his first daytime interview before the premiere of “Two and a Half Men.” “Ellen” airs in D.C. on channel four at 3 p.m. For other areas’ times, visit ellentv.com.
Bravo has a couple new series starting this fall.
“Mad Fashion,” which premieres Oct. 4 at 10 p.m., will feature former “Project Runway” alum Chris March, as he and his crew create designs for high-profile clients, including a Mardi Gras float ensemble for Jennifer Coolidge.
Also starting is the second season of Bravo’s “Work of Art,” a reality show seeking to discover new artistic talent. The season begins Oct. 12 at 9 p.m.
“The A-List” is slowly becoming a franchise with a new show based in Dallas starting Oct. 3 at 10 p.m. on Logo. The cast includes a former rodeo star, a gay Republican, a serial dater and more.
It’s also been announced that Logo is partnering with BBC America to bring back a couple of favorites in a new way. Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley will be reprising their roles as Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone for three new “Absolutely Fabulous” specials.
Logo has been airing repeats of the first five seasons of “AbFab” since April.
MTV starts the 26th season of “The Real World” on Sept. 28 with the show’s return to San Diego. The cast includes Virginia native Samantha, who goes by Sam, and is said to be a lesbian. A trailer for the upcoming season also shows a male roommate who is said to be bisexual.
Friday, April 17
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7:00p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, April 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Sunday, April 19
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Lunch” at 11 a.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, April 20
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, April 21
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Senior Self Defense Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, April 22
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Asexual and Aromantic Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, April 23
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Out & About
Team DC’s annual gala set for this weekend
LGBTQ sports organization to hold annual ‘Night of Champions’
Team DC will host “Night of Champions Gala” on Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. at the Georgetown Marriott.
This will be an evening of celebration and inspiration as Team DC honors remarkable individuals and supports the next generation of LGBTQ student-athletes.
There will be opportunities to support Team DC through auctions. The Silent Auction items will offer an array of unique goods and experiences. Additionally, Team DC will feature an exclusive selection of live auction items for those looking to make a significant impact.
This year, Team DC will recognize six outstanding awardees who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ community and sports:
- Trailblazer Award – Adam Peck, District Wrestling
- Most Valuable Person Award – Sean Bartel (posthumously)
- Champion Award – Dan Martin
- Clark Ray Horizon Award – Manuel Montelongo, aka Mari Con Carne
- Bernard Jude Delia Award – Dr. Sara Varghai
- Platinum All Star Award – Centaur Motorcycle Club
To purchase tickets, visit Team DC’s website.
Television
‘The Pitt’ stars discuss what season two gets right about queer representation
Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden spoke with Blade in LA
As season two of “The Pitt” comes to a close this Thursday, stars Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden are looking back on what this season got right about queer representation.
“There is some intentionality behind it, but it’s not necessarily for the representation to be anything other than human or ubiquitous to anyone that would come into an emergency room,” Noah Wyle, who plays Dr. Robby, told the Los Angeles Blade at PaleyFest event in Los Angeles on April 12. “I know that we’ve done some storylines with some gay couples, and we did a storyline in season 1 where a woman comes in who’s cut her arm, who’s trans. But in both of those storylines, that wasn’t the point.”
Wyle continues, “In doing it that way, and not making a point of orientation being part of the problem that brings you to the emergency room, we have been told in feedback that that has been extremely revolutionary, almost, and extremely appreciated. But that’s true whether we do storylines with any kind of minority or a person with a disability. We try to have a cosmology of cast and representation on the show that’s indicative of what you find in Pittsburgh.”
Dearden, who plays Dr. Mel King, echoed Wyle’s sentiment: “I think constantly battling tropes is always important. It’s not a show about romance; it’s a show about real life and a shift in the ER. The more we represent everyday people going through everyday life, they just happen to be queer, they just happen to be trans, and making it not the plot, is putting everyone on equal playing [field]. You don’t have to have a big coming out scene.”
Queer representation on “The Pitt” is also notable through the actual actors themselves, including openly queer actor Supriya Ganesh, who plays Dr. Samira Mohan (who didn’t attend PaleyFest after the news that she is not returning for season three), and Amielynn Abellera, who plays Perlah Alawi.
“Doctors don’t put value judgments on who they treat,” Wyle concludes. “That’s not a luxury extended to them, and so that’s not part of our storytelling.”
The season two finale will air Thursday, April 16, on HBO Max, while season three has already been confirmed and is currently being written.
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