Arts & Entertainment
Fast Five Fix: Jan 19
OutFront Colorado is saved, Elmhurst college reveals large LGBT student body makeup, and will there be a marriage vote in Cuba?
A (possibly gay) helicopter parent. (illustration by Greg Williams via Wikimedia Commons used in compliance with Creative Commons license)
Gay parents are being added to the seminal parenting books bearing the name “Dr. Spock” that helped all of our Boomer and Xer parents leave us Yers and Millennials with tremendous future therapy bills. LGBTQHelicopter Parents anyone?
- Just in time to steal Portland Oregon’s thunder, OutFront Colorado is saved as a new owner takes over. But we’re not really sure what the new owner, Transformation Communication Group is…
- Suburban Chicago’s Elmhurst College boasts 5% LGBT student body after implementing new optional questions on admissions surveys.
- Mariela Castro, daughter of Cuba’s leader Raul Castro, says that Cuba’s lawmakers may consider a bill extending marriage rights to same-sex couples.
- Peter LaBarbera just protested the Southern Poverty Law Center over being labeled the leader of a certified ‘Hate Group.’ And to show just how rational and non-hateful he is, he brought along Patrick Wooden who claims gay men need diapers or surgery by their 40s or 50s.
- Finally, not to be outdone by Indiana, South Carolina will also offer a pro-LGBT license plate. Yes. That South Carolina.
Check out the preview below for the play “8″ about the federal trial challenging the constitutionality of California’s anti-gay marriage Prop 8. The LA premier is slated for March 3 with George Clooney as one of the stars.
Oh, and if you’re bored, ‘Designer Drugs’ will be at the U Street Music Hall (where I believe my phone may still be) tonight …We mean the DJ duo.
a&e features
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)
Iran war causes condom shortage in India
U.S. attorney nominee confirmed despite anti-LGBTQ history, no trial experience
Vt. lawmaker equates transgender identity with bestiality
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
BREAKING NEWS: Barney Frank dies at 86
Disillusioned about democracy? Think of it as a community garden
Honey, have we been priced out of gay paradise?
IDAHOBiT a reminder we all must stand up against transphobia
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
