Arts & Entertainment
Elton John blasts Russia gay propaganda law
Gay singer made comments during Dec. 6 concert in Moscow
Singer Elton John on Dec. 6 criticized Russia’s LGBT rights record during a Moscow concert. (By David Crawshaw via Wikimedia Commons.)
“You took me to your hearts all these years ago and you’ve always welcomed me with warmth and open arms every time I’ve visited,” said John while on stage in the Russian capital. “You have always embraced me and you have never judged me. So I’m deeply saddened and shocked over the current legislation that is now in place against the LGBT community here in Russia.”
Members of the audience applauded John as he continued to speak out against Russia’s LGBT rights record that includes a broadly worded law that bans gay propaganda to minors. He dedicated the concert to Vladislav Tornovoi, a 23-year-old man whom authorities said two men tortured and killed near Volgograd in May after he came out to them.
“Some people have demanded that because of this legislation, I must not come here to Russia,” said John. “But many, many more people asked me to come and I listened to them. I love coming here.”
Lady Gaga and Madonna’s comments against St. Petersburg’s gay propaganda to minors ban during concerts in the city in 2012 prompted Russian authorities to investigate whether the singers did not secure the proper visas to enter the country. A St. Petersburg court dismissed a $10 million lawsuit against Madonna over her comments.
John’s concert took place in Moscow roughly a month after gay MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts co-hosted the Miss Universe 2013 pageant in the Russian capital.
Roberts criticized the gay propaganda law during a series of pre-pageant interviews with his network. Neither he, co-host Mel B nor pageant participants discussed the Kremlin’s LGBT rights record during the event’s broadcast.
German president to boycott Olympics
The Associated Press on Sunday reported German President Joachim Gauck will boycott the 2014 Winter Olympics that will take place in Sochi, Russia, in February because of the Kremlin’s human rights record.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Obama and retired tennis champion Martina Navratilova are among those who oppose a boycott of the Sochi games over the gay propaganda law and Russia’s ongoing LGBT rights crackdown.
Lesbian Russian journalist Masha Gessen on Dec. 5 discussed her support of a boycott of the Olympics while speaking on a panel at Human Rights First’s annual summit in D.C.
“[Russian President Vladimir] Putin should be a pariah at this point,” said Gessen. “He should be alone in that box at the Olympic games, which are his personal project.”
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
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The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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