Arts & Entertainment
Out & About: July 6
AIDS documentary on PBS, Youth Pride Alliance celebrates anniversary and more
McCain, Black to appear at D.C. JCC
The D.C. Jewish Community Center (1529 16th St., N.W.) is hosting Meghan McCain and Michael Ian Black on Thursday from 7:30-9 p.m. McCain, a Republican, and Black, a Democrat, traveled across America to see if two people with radically opposing views could find common ground. They chronicled their discoveries in their new book, “America, You Sexy Bitch: A Love Letter to Freedom.”
Michael Ian Black is a stand-up comedian who has starred in numerous television series and movies. Meghan McCain, daughter of John McCain, is the author of “Dirty Sexy Politics” and writes for the “Daily Beast.”
Their book disproves the notion of an irreconcilably polarized American political climate. “America, You Sexy Bitch” can be purchased in advance for $17 at the door and McCain and Black will be available for autographs after the discussion.
Tickets can be purchased at dcjcc.org for $20. VIP access tickets can also be purchased for $50 to attend a reception with the authors at 6 p.m.
‘ENDGAME: AIDS in Black America’ premieres on PBS
“ENDGAME: AIDS in Black America” is a Frontline documentary that premieres on PBS from 9-11 p.m. on Tuesday. WETA is the D.C.-area PBS affiliate.
The documentary reveals why HIV/AIDS is more widespread among African Americans. Racism, silence and stigma are uncovered as essential factors that have allowed the virus to spread rampantly within the black community.
“AIDS in Black America” features personal stories from people living with HIV and compelling interviews with basketball legend Magic Johnson, Civil Rights leader Julian Bond, black pastors from all over the U.S., activists and health workers.
For more information on the documentary, visit pbs.org or weta.org.
Youth Pride Alliance members show their pride. (Blade file photo by Pete Exis)
Youth Pride Alliance celebrates anniversary
The Queer Youth Project’s one-year anniversary will be celebrated at the Out For Equality party tonight from 6-10 p.m. at MOVA Lounge (2204 14th St., N.W.)
The event benefits the Youth Pride Alliance and celebrates the first anniversary of the Queer Youth Project, which supports youth serving organizations in fostering inclusive and safe spaces for LGBT youth through technical assistance, training, program development and evaluation.
Out For Equality will feature specialty cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a guest DJ. Donations can be made to the Youth Pride Alliance online at out4equality2012.eventbrite.com or through checks made payable to the Youth Pride Alliance.
Team Up to Fight AIDS with the Nationals
The Washington Nationals are having a “Team Up to Fight AIDS” benefit for their Saturday game against the Colorado Rockies at 4:05 p.m. at Nationals Park in Washington (1500 South Capitol Street, S.E.).
For each ticket purchased, the team will make a donation to the AIDS Memorial Quilt/the NAMES Project Foundation and Whitman-Walker Health.
Tickets range from $15-$35 for the game. Buy tickets at Washington-nationals.mlb.com.
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)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
