Arts & Entertainment
New Axe commercial appeals to gay audience
body spray company features queer characters
(Photo courtesy of YouTube)
Axe has released a new commercial that features a vogueing ballroom scene and a flirty gay couple in a record store.
The commercial starts out focusing on the stereotypical model with his shirt off and a voiceover saying “Who needs a six-pack?” The ad goes on to explain how each man shown has his own features that make him masculine and strong.
A voguing ballroom competition with a man performing in heels is included along with the voiceover praising the man for “rocking those heels.” A young gay couple also interact at a record store. A man in a wheelchair dancing and a bearded man spending time with his cats are also shown to highlight how masculinity comes in different forms.
The YouTube caption for the ad reads “The most attractive man you can be is yourself.”
The company’s commercials are typically hyper masculine and equate masculinity to receiving female attention.
The DC Black Pride Opening Reception was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Friday, May 22. Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr was the headline performer. Comedian Anthony Oakes was the host. Speakers included Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson and Center For Black Equity President Kenya Hutton, as well as speakers from health organizations and sponsors. The event featured performances from Billy the Goat, Jay Columbus, Akeem Woods, Rue Pratt, Be Steadwell and Bennu Byrd.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Photos
PHOTOS: Black Pride Pageant and Unity Ball
Back-to-back events held on first night of D.C. Black Pride
The Mr. and Miss DC Black Pride Pageant was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. Following the pageant, Black Pride events continued with the 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
D.C.-area productions honored at Theatre Washington’s annual ceremony
Theatre Washington’s 42nd Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 18.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception
PHOTOS: Black Pride Pageant and Unity Ball
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
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