Local
Protest threat as Fillmore books anti-gay act
Mexican group Molotov’s lyrics include ‘kill the faggot’
The group Molotov has a large following among young people in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Activists are threatening to protest their show next month in Silver Spring, Md. (Promotional photo courtesy Molotov)
The scheduled appearance next month in Silver Spring, Md., of a controversial hip-hop act from Mexico that uses the phrase “kill the faggot” in one of its songs has prompted LGBT activists to consider holding a protest outside the theater where the band is set to perform on Aug. 26.
LGBT Latino activists familiar with the popular Mexico City band Molotov say the Spanish language lyrics in several of its songs include the words “puto” and “maricon,” which sometimes are used in different ways but are widely interpreted as a slur against gay men.
Gay Latino activist and blogger Andres Duque of New York City, who’s a native Spanish speaker from Colombia, told the Blade that one of Molotov’s most controversial and popular songs is entitled “Puto” and repeats that word more than a dozen times.
Duque said that while the word is sometimes used to describe a male prostitute and a coward it is most often interpreted as “fag” or “faggot.”
A spokesperson for the Fillmore Silver Spring Theater, where Molotov is scheduled to appear for a one-time performance on Aug. 26, did not return calls from the Blade seeking comment as of late Tuesday.
“We are considering a protest at the theater,” said Alex McNeill, a spokesperson for the statewide LGBT group Equality Maryland. “We want people to know that most Latino people don’t agree with the lyrics that use ‘puto.’ We want to make sure people know the word is hurtful.”
Anthony Varona, an associate dean and professor at American University’s Washington College of Law, and D.C. attorney Gabriel Rodriguez-Rico – both native Spanish speakers – joined Duque in rejecting the assertion by some fans and supporters of Molotov who say the lyrics in question are not meant to target gays.
Duque told the Blade Molotov’s four musician members, one of whom is American, have long insisted that their use of the words “puto” and “Maricon” are meant to target corrupt politicians in Mexico as part of the band’s advocacy for social justice.
“The band says that in no way whatsoever are they talking about someone who is gay,” Duque said. “They are only singing about [people] who go along with the corrupt government and never raise a voice against injustice.”
Rodriguez-Rico, who is a native of Mexico, said he’s especially concerned that Molotov has a large following among young people in Mexico and other Latin American countries. He said the song “Puto” is often played at soccer stadiums, with fans attending soccer games singing the song as if it were an “anthem.”
According to Rodriquez-Rico, he found at least six other songs by Molotov that include at least one homophobic slur.
“LGBTQ Hispanics face challenges and discrimination from within their own social circles and other groups, increasing the risks of homelessness, unemployment, suicide, among others,” he said in an email to activists weighing how to respond to Molotov’s upcoming appearance in Silver Spring.
“I believe the last thing the Hispanic culture needs is a music band that hurts it so badly by stereotyping us and turning the phrase ‘death to the faggot’ into a social anthem,” he said.
Varona, who has served on the boards of the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, said Molotov uses the Spanish words for “faggot” repeatedly in the song “Puto” without making a distinction that the word isn’t targeting gays.
“It’s part of the refrain and is used not in a way that suggests it’s meant to educate but in a way that’s meant to be cutting and to be very, very negative and a slur.”
It couldn’t immediately be determined at press time who arranged for the booking of Molotov at the Fillmore Silver Spring Theater. The theater’s website says the theater is owned by Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., a multi-national corporation based in Hollywood, Calif., that describes itself as the world’s largest producer of live entertainment concerts.
Janice Levi, general manager for the Fillmore Silver Spring, and Jacqueline Peterson, public relations spokesperson for Live Nation Entertainment in Hollywood didn’t immediately respond to calls from the Blade.
Following is a translation by gay Latino activist Andres Duque of excerpts of Molotov’s song “Puto,” which was first released in 1997 as part of the band’s album “Donde Jugarán Las Niñas,” in which the band sings in Spanish:
“So you are macho man, no? Ah, so macho, no?
Faggot, girly, you’re rather a little male-whore, no?”
Background chorus: “Fag, Fag, Fag, Fag, Fag. Fag, Fag, Fag FAG!!
He who doesn’t jump up and down FAG!! He who doesn’t shout and swear FAG!!
The guy who remained in conformity FAG!!
He who believed the official reports FAG!!
He who takes away our food FAG!! Also he who covers it up FAG!!
He who doesn’t do whatever he wants FAG!!
Born a fag, dies a fag Love the killer, Kill the faggot And what does that son of a bitch want? He wants to cry, he wants to cry.”
Virginia
Va. LG opposed marriage equality affirmation bill in handwritten note
Winsome Earle-Sears constitutionally required to sign HB 174 as Senate president
Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears last year in a handwritten note indicated her opposition to marriage rights for same-sex couples when she signed a bill that affirmed marriage equality in the state.
Brandon Jarvis of Virginia Scope on May 1 published Earle-Sears’s note on House Bill 174, which state Del. Rozia Henson, a Prince William County Democrat who is gay, introduced.
The Virginia Senate passed HB 174 by a 22-17 vote margin, and the state constitution required Earle-Sears to sign it as the chamber’s president. Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed the measure into law after it received bipartisan support.
“As the lieutenant governor, I recognize and respect my constitutional obligation to adhere to procedures set out in the constitution of Virginia,” wrote Earle-Sears in her note. “However, I remain morally opposed to the content of HB 174 as passed by the General Assembly.”
Earle-Sears, a former U.S. Marine who served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002-2004, in 2021 became the first woman elected Virginia’s lieutenant governor. Activists have criticized her for her opposition to LGBTQ rights in Virginia.
She sparked controversy last year when she misgendered state Sen. Danica Roem (D-Manassas), who is transgender, on the Senate floor. Earle-Sears has also spoken at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
Earle-Sears is running to succeed Youngkin as governor once his term ends in January 2026. She will likely face former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat who previously represented Virginia’s 7th Congressional District.
John Reid, a conservative talk show host who is openly gay, last month secured the Republican nomination to succeed Earle-Sears as lieutenant governor. Youngkin has called for Reid to end his campaign amid reports that he posted “pornographic content” on social media.
Reid has strongly denied the reports.
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.
Australian prime minister re-elected
Va. LG opposed marriage equality affirmation bill in handwritten note
PDAB: A mysterious acronym that could affect your health
I make more money than my partner and getting resentful
D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride
TRAITOR: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has blood on his hands
Potential Pope Francis successor views homosexuality as an ‘abomination’
Jacob Elordi rides high in ‘On Swift Horses’
Welcome home: DC LGBTQ Center opens its doors to healing and hope
Top Congressional Democrats reintroduce Equality Act on Trump’s 100th day in office
-
Opinions3 days agoTRAITOR: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has blood on his hands
-
The Vatican4 days agoPotential Pope Francis successor views homosexuality as an ‘abomination’
-
Movies4 days agoJacob Elordi rides high in ‘On Swift Horses’
-
District of Columbia4 days agoWelcome home: DC LGBTQ Center opens its doors to healing and hope