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Group sued for using gay couple’s engagement picture in political attack ad

Loudoun County Supervisor Eugene Delguadio founded Public Advocate of the United States

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Gay News, Washington Blade, Gay Virginia

Loudoun County Supervisor Eugene Delguadio (Photo courtesy of www.loudoun.gov)

The Southern Poverty Law Center has sued a group with ties to a Virginia county supervisor for using a gay couple’s engagement picture in an attack ad against a Colorado lawmaker.

SPLC alleges in a lawsuit filed in federal court in Colorado on Wednesday that Public Advocate of the United States, which is based in Falls Church, Va., misappropriated the likenesses and personalities of Brian Edwards and Tom Privitere when it used a photo of them kissing with the New York City skyline in the background to attack Colorado state Sen. Jean White. The doctored picture reads “’State Senator Jean White’s idea of Family Values?’” The lawsuit further alleges that Loudoun County Supervisor Eugene Delguadio, who founded Public Advocate in 1981, superimposed the couple onto a snowy, forested background “to imply the photo was taken in Colorado.”

“We are heartbroken that our images may have been seen by gay and lesbian youth in Colorado and were left feeling ashamed of their sexual orientation because of it,” said Privitere. “We hope that this group is held accountable for its reprehensible and hateful anti-gay attacks.”

SPLC, which has designated Public Advocate as a hate group for its anti-gay rhetoric, further alleges that the organization caused Edwards and Privitere mental anguish and anguish. It also filed suit on behalf of photographer Kristina Hill, who took the original photo, for allegedly using the picture without her permission.

SPLC said it notified both Public Advocate and Delguadio in July that it was investigating the unauthorized use of Hill’s copyrighted photo. The group’s letter further demanded confirmation that the group had stopped using the picture, but it maintains neither Delguadio nor Public Advocate responded.

“This case is about the defilement of a beautiful moment by a group known for demonizing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community,” said SPLC Deputy Legal Director Christine Sun. “This was just a cheap way for Public Advocate to avoid having to pay for a stock photo to use in their hateful anti-gay attack ad. It was nothing short of theft.”

SPLC filed suit on the same day accusations that Delguadio had improperly directed county staff to solicit campaign contributions broke.

Delguadio told the Washington Post after SPLC announced it was to file suit against him and Public Advocate that “I’m looking into that.” He did not return further requests for comment.

“Our heart goes out to the couple,” James Parrish, executive director of Equality Virginia, told the Washington Blade. “The use of these wedding photos for political means is an invasion of privacy and disgusting. It’s time that Eugene Delgaudio and his company are held accountable for their actions. Delgaudio has a long history of working against the LGBT community so we appreciate the actions the Southern Poverty Law Center is taking to bring justice to this situation.”

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District of Columbia

Wanda Alston Foundation launches culinary program for LGBTQ youth

Slay & Sauté campaign seeks to raise funds for cooking utensils

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Wanda Alston Foundation Executive Director Cesar Toledo (Photo courtesy of the Wanda Alston Foundation)

The Wanda Alston Foundation, the D.C. nonprofit organization that has provided housing and support services for homeless LGBTQ youth since its founding in 2008, announced it has launched a campaign to raise $15,000 for a new culinary program to “equip our LGBTQ+ youth with cooking skills, kitchen gadgets, and a taste for joy,” according to its executive director, Cesar Toledo.

In a May 14 statement, Toledo said the Alston Foundation had been selected to receive food and shelter funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, “but due to the federal freeze, it’s unlikely those critical resources will reach us.”

He said the new program being launched is in partnership with the DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K organization, an LGBTQ runners group. The funds will be used to provide 20 Alston House residents “with air fryers, rice cookers, smoothie blenders, healthy food, and condiments,” Toledo said.

He said the campaign, which has been named Slay & Sauté, is offering donors a chance to win WorldPride concert tickets if they submit their donation before June 1. His announcement says among the concerts for which tickets could be won are Grace Jones and Janelle Monae, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Werq the World, MIXTAPE Pride, and Betty Who.

“Thanks to supporters across the District, we’re able to continue providing not just shelter but comfort and joy to LGBTQ+ youth!” Toledo said in his statement.

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PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception

Special guests include Ts Madison, Kerri Colby

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Ts Madison entertains at the Black Pride Opening Ceremony on Friday, May 23 at the Capital Hilton. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Opening Reception for the 34th annual D.C. Black Pride was held at the Capital Hilton on Friday, May 23. Presenters, speakers and entertainers included Ts Madison, Monroe Alise, Billy the Goat, Kerri Colby, Apple Brown Betty, Heather Mahogani, Lyrical Mar, Lolita Leopard, Ink, and Bang Garçon. Anthony Oakes was the host.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: Silver Pride

Rayceen Pendarvis serves as emcee

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Rayceen Pendarvis was the emcee of Silver Pride 2025. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The 2025 Silver Pride Resource Fair and Tea Dance was held at the Eaton Hotel on Wednesday, May 21.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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