Arts & Entertainment
Klaus Burkart gives up Mr. Gay World title
(Photo courtesy of Mr. Gay World)
Klaus Burkart, Mr. Gay World, has relinquished his title.
In an open letter posted on mrgayworld.com, Burkart thanked Mr. Gay World and the global LGBT community for the opportunity, but stated that his personal life now prevented him from holding the title.
“I’m very sad to announce that due to personal changes in my life I will no longer be able to live up to the expectations and serve the community to the extent that the title requires to do so,” Burkart said.
Burkart, 21, also said that he found fulfilling his duties to be too challenging at the time and therefore had to pass along the title.
“Indeed it is very challenging and exciting winning the title, but what is more challenging is living up to the expectations, responsibilities and duties that come along with it,” Burkart said.
Burkart, who represented Germany, has passed along the title to the first runner-up Emmanuel Mass Luciano, Mr. Gay Hong Kong. Mr. Gay World is a global competition for gay men that looks for gay leaders who can held advance gay rights in both their local and global communities.
The Capital Pride Alliance presented the 2026 Capital Pride Honors at “The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia” at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. on Sunday, June 7.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Out & About
Congressional Cemetery hosts Gays & Graves
Daylong Pride celebration blends history, remembrance, art and community
Historic Congressional Cemetery will host the second annual “Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival” on Sunday, June 14 at 11 a.m.
The event will feature pioneering activist Randy Wicker, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and new public art installations and programs celebrating LGBTQ+ history. Gays & Graves is an official partner event of Capital Pride 2026.
This event is a daylong Pride celebration blending history, remembrance, art and community. Visitors can shop from LGBTQ+ and allied artists and makers, experience performances and interactive installations, and engage with programs exploring LGBTQ+ history and lived experience.
For more details, visit the cemetery’s website.
Baltimore Pride is underway, taking place from June 8-14.
The Pride Parade will be on Saturday, June 13 at 12 p.m. at Charles Street & North Avenue, followed by the Pride Block Party at 1 p.m. at Druid Hill Park. And then the Pride Festival will be held on Sunday, June 14 at 12 p.m. at Druid Hill Park.
There will be an array of additional events including: a fashion show, a “Suits and Sneakers” reception and a 5k race, among many other events.
For more details, visit Baltimore Pride’s website.
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