Local
Creigh Deeds in critical condition after stabbing
Former Virginia gubernatorial candidate’s son attacked him at Bath County home


Virginia state Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-Bath County) remains in critical condition at a Charlottesville hospital after his son stabbed him on Tuesday. (Photo by Waldo Jaquith/Wikimedia Commons)
Authorities said Austin “Gus” Deeds stabbed his father at his Millboro home shortly before 7:30 a.m. They said the younger Deeds fatally shot himself after the attack.
Corinne Geller, a spokesperson for the Virginia State Police, told reporters during a Charlottesville press conference that Deeds has been able to speak with authorities.
“The investigation obviously remains ongoing,” Geller said.
Deeds, who has represented the 25th Senate District in Richmond since 2001, was the Democratic candidate for governor in 2009. Outgoing Gov. Bob McDonnell defeated him by a 59-41 percent margin.
The Bath County Democrat in January voted for a bill that would have banned discrimination against LGBT state employees. Deeds the same month supported gay Richmond Circuit Court Judge Tracy Thorne-Begland’s judgeship the state Senate approved.
He backed a measure during the 2013 Legislative session that would have strengthened anti-bullying measures in the commonwealth. Deeds also opposed a bill that McDonnell signed into law in March that banned Virginia’s public colleges and universities from discriminating against any student group based on their religious and political beliefs.
Deeds received a 100 percent score on Equality Virginia’s 2012 legislative scorecard.
“In this tough and sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Deeds family,” McDonnell said in a statement. “The news from this morning is utterly heartbreaking.”
Gov.-elect Terry McAuliffe, who lost to Deeds in the 2009 Democratic gubernatorial primary, said both he and his wife “are praying for the Deeds family at this difficult time.”
State Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) told the Washington Blade he is “shocked” by the incident.
“Creigh is one of the nicest, most pleasant people in Richmond,” Ebbin said. “It’s just unimaginable that this has happened to him. It’s just like a bad dream. I can’t believe it.”
The Blade will have more information and reaction as it becomes available.
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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