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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

Published

14 years ago

on

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

Blade welcomes fall intern

Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida

Published

1 day ago

on

September 2, 2026

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Alexis McLean (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.

Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.

“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”

Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.

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Rehoboth Beach

SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer

Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance

Published

2 days ago

on

September 1, 2026

By

David Archuleta headlines this year’s SUNFESTIVAL on Saturday in Rehoboth Beach. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in Rehoboth Beach, but there will be no shortage of LGBTQ events, with CAMP Rehoboth’s annual SUNFESTIVAL taking over town this weekend.

Thursday (9/3)

Get your Labor Day Weekend started early Thursday night with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, followed by Naughtee Bingo hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 8:30 p.m.

After bingo, the party continues with Dancing at Diego’s from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aqua Bar & Grill will also kick off its Labor Day Weekend festivities Thursday with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Friday (9/4)

The weekend ramps up Friday night at Aqua, where DJ Matt Bailer will keep the dance floor moving from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Over at Diego’s, DJ Steve Sidewalk will then take over Diego’s for Freedom Friday from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

Saturday (9/5)

The main event of the weekend arrives Saturday with the opening night of CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL.

Billed as the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL has become one of Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day Weekend events. The annual celebration sells out each year, with proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments available at the cash bar while attendees are invited to socialize and find their seats.

Saturday night will feature local singer Ashley Williams as the opening performer, followed by headliner David Archuleta. The event will also feature a live auction.

Back across town Saturday, Aqua will continue its Labor Day Weekend DJ lineup from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Diego’s will also have plenty happening, with ‘Splash Party’ hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday Dance Party with Brett Oosterhaus from 9 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.

The Blue Moon hosts its popular Legends Show at 9 p.m. It’s an all-live singing show by the Blue Moon cast of celebrity impersonators.

Etienne Pilon has taken Rehoboth by storm this summer. Check out the talented singer/pianist at The Pines from 7-10 p.m.

Sunday (9/6)

Sunday’s SUNFESTIVAL event will shift the focus to the dance floor, with globally renowned DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.

On Sunday, Aqua will throw its annual White Party, with DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in white for the holiday weekend celebration.

Diego’s will host its Sunday High T-Dance with Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. Later that evening, DJ Tannr will be spinning at 9 p.m.

John Flynn is on the piano from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Moon.

Monday (9/7)

The final day of Labor Day Weekend brings one last chance to hit the dance floor before summer officially winds down.

Aqua will close out its five-day Labor Day Weekend celebration with DJ Biff from 3-7 p.m.

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Maryland

Anne Arundel schools now need parent permission to call trans students by preferred names

Conservative groups challenged system’s policy

Published

2 days ago

on

September 1, 2026

By

Anne Arundel County Public Schools has issued new internal guidance for students who ask to be addressed by gender-affirming names and pronouns. (Photo by Eric Thompson for the Baltimore Banner)

By JESSICA CALEFATI | Anne Arundel County Public Schools staff cannot use transgender students’ preferred names if their parents oppose it, according to an internal document reviewed by the Banner, a change that comes after conservative groups challenged the school system’s approach to gender identity.

Teachers union president Kristina Korona told members in an Aug. 20 email that the new guidance undermines district policy on acceptance and inclusivity and “will begin harming affected students immediately.”

Previously, the district didn’t require parental permission to use a high school student’s chosen name and pronouns corresponding to their gender identity, the internal document says. Now it does. The change comes as parents challenge the suburban school system’s gender identity policy and regulation in court and the Trump-Vance administration threatens the district’s funding.

The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.

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