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Marylanders thank Obama for marriage support
“President Obama has shown his courage in evolving as a public figure on same-sex marriage while maintaining respect and dignity for both his office and the LGBT community.”
‘The way forward is always to be found through greater respect for the equal rights and human dignity of all,’ said Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley. (Blade photo by Michael Key)
In the wake of President Obama’s revelation on May 9 that he supports marriage equality, a number of elected officials and leaders of LGBT organizations weighed in.
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley said, “Today, President Obama affirmed that for a people of many different faiths—a people who are committed to the principle of religious freedom—the way forward is always to be found through greater respect for the equal rights and human dignity of all. In Maryland, we agree.”
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake intoned, “This afternoon, President Obama boldly voiced his support for marriage equality. I am grateful that the president added his voice to the millions of Americans who are fighting to ensure all people and families are treated equally under the law. This year, Gov. O’Malley signed legislation to expand the rights and responsibilities of marriage to all Marylanders. President Obama’s statement today reinforces our argument that marriage strengthens society and protects children.”
Trevor Ankeny, board chair of the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore said, “The president of the United States supporting marriage equality is an amazing and historic event. Regardless of his timing or even his political motivations, this is a truly momentous occasion.”
Carrie Evans, executive director of Equality Maryland, said, “The president came out in support of the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. Although this statement does not undo the results of [the] vote in North Carolina, it does provide us with hope—the hope that people’s hearts and minds can evolve on this issue. And though this evolution may not always be on the timetable we would devise, we must embrace this historic declaration by President Obama.”
Sharon Brackett, board chair of Gender Rights Maryland, said, “We are very pleased to hear the president’s views on same-sex marriage. The reality is this has impact on any trans person who is married today, or contemplating marriage in the future.”
Lea Gilmore, founder of the Maryland Black Family Alliance, said, “This is a momentous occasion that should not be diminished in any way. I am proud that the president of the United States has clearly stated his beliefs that gays and lesbians have the right to marriage. After years of ‘evolving’ he has evolved on the side of fairness and justice. Thank you, Mr. President.”
Mark Patro, president, PFLAG-Baltimore County, said, “President Obama has shown his courage in evolving as a public figure on same-sex marriage while maintaining respect and dignity for both his office and the LGBT community. We applaud his leadership on this issue.”
Dwayne Jenkins, International Federation of Black Prides: “As he has done on so many other important and historical occasions during his political career and his first term, President Obama has again shown America the promise of possibility and equality by coming out in support of marriage equality.”
Mary Ellen Russell, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference: “For us in Maryland, the vote on marriage this November has nothing to do with politics. It will be a vote on the issue of marriage itself.”
World Pride 2025
D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride
Gay bars, other liquor-serving establishments can stay open 24 hours
D.C.’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board, which regulates liquor sales for the city’s bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments licensed to serve alcoholic beverages, has approved extended hours for alcohol service and sales during the days when most WorldPride events will be held in the nation’s capital.
In a May 2 announcement, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, which works with the board, said the extended liquor serving and sales hours for WorldPride will take place beginning Friday, May 30, through 4 a.m. Monday, June 9.
Although the official schedule for WorldPride events shows the events will take place May 17-June 8, most of the large events, including a two-day Pride street festival, parade, and concert, were expected to take place between May 30 and June 8.
According to the ABCA announcement and an ABCA spokesperson, liquor servicing establishments with the appropriate license can stay open for 24 hours and serve alcoholic beverages from 6 a.m. through the day and evening until 4 a.m., with no liquor sales allowed from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. during the May 30-June 9 period.
The ABCA announcement says liquor serving establishments must apply for the extended hours option and pay a $100 registration fee by a deadline on May 27.
Sources familiar with the liquor board have said the board has for many years approved the extension of liquor serving and sales hours for important events and for certain holidays such as New Year’s Eve.
At the time it approved the extended hours for WorldPride the liquor board also approved extended hours during the time when games for a World Cup soccer tournament will be held in the city on June 18, June 22, and June 26.
It couldn’t immediately be determined how many of D.C.’s 22 LGBTQ bars plan to apply for the extended drinking hours. David Perruzza, owner of the Adams Morgan gay bar Pitchers and its adjoining lesbian bar A League of Her Own, said he will apply for the 4 a.m. extended hours option but he does not intend to keep the two bars open for the full 23 hours.
Under the city’s current alcoholic beverage regulations, licensed liquor serving establishments may serve alcoholic beverages until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends.
World Pride 2025
Episcopal bishop to speak at WorldPride human rights conference
Trump demanded apology from Mariann Edgar Budde over post-Inauguration sermon
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde is among those who are scheduled to speak at the WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference that will take place from June 4-6.
Budde, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Washington, in January urged President Donald Trump “to have mercy” on LGBTQ people, immigrants, and others “who are scared right now” during a post-Inauguration service that he and Vice President JD Vance attended at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump criticized Budde’s comments and demanded an apology.
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde speaks at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 21, 2025. (PBS NewsHour clip)
A press release the Washington Blade received notes Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, UK Black Pride founder Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, and Bob the Drag Queen are among those who are also expected to participate in the conference.
The conference will take place at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) and registration is open here.
World Pride 2025
Pabllo Vittar to perform at WorldPride
Brazilian drag queen, singer, joined Madonna on stage in 2024 Rio concert
A Brazilian drag queen and singer who performed with Madonna at her 2024 concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach will perform at WorldPride.
The Capital Pride Alliance on Thursday announced Pabllo Vittar will perform on the Main Stage of the main party that will take place on June 7 at DCBX (1235 W St., N.E.) in Northeast D.C.
Vittar and Anitta, a Brazilian pop star who is bisexual, on May 4, 2024, joined Madonna on stage at her free concert, which was the last one of her Celebration Tour. Authorities estimated 1.6 million people attended.
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