Arts & Entertainment
Gay U.S. collegiate champion divers come out
Wilfong and Bissett reveal they are gay and a couple
(Jamie Bissett and Tanner Wilfong. Photo @turnuptanner / Instagram)
Gay U.S. collegiate champion divers Tanner Wilfong and Jamie Bissett came out publicly about their sexuality and that they are a couple on Saturday.
The Roanoke Times first broke the news in an interview with Wolfing. The paper reports that Wilfong is the only male athlete who is active in the Atlantic Coast Conference to come out publicly.
When Wilfong and Bissett first met they were in different places when it came to revealing their sexuality.
“I think every day is a better day,” Wilfong says. “Our relationship has changed so much since we first met, because [Jamie] wasn’t even ‘out.’ It’s a complete progression until the day you depart, move on or die.”
Meanwhile, Bissett found Wolfing being out to be intimidating.
“He was ‘out’ when we met, and obviously, that was scary for me,” Bissett says. “I’m thankful to have met him. I’ve learned a lot about myself through having met him and definitely credit that whole experience to where I am now.”
Bassett came out to family and friends after dating Wilfong for a few months.
Wilfong competes for University of Miami and is competing in a Power-5 conference in the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC. Bissett is a Purdue graduate and has completed his NCAA eligibility. Wilfong and Bissett qualify for the 2016 Olympic trials.
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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