Arts & Entertainment
MOST ELIGIBLE SINGLES: Jacquette McGhee
Meet D.C.’s top 20 LGBT bachelors and bachelorettes
Jacquette McGhee (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Name: Jacquette McGhee
Age: 36
Occupation: Refugee officer
Identify as: Queer
What are you looking for in a mate? Someone who can go anywhere in the world with me and laugh at even the smallest and simplest things that life has to offer. My ideal mate would not take themselves seriously but at the same time has ambition and passion in whatever they strive to do in life. I tend to be drawn to naturally femme women who have some sort of creative juices and are independent. Perhaps the most important thing is someone who shows kindness to humankind and is truly genuine about it on all levels.
Biggest turn-off: Rudeness; does not have a passport
Biggest turn-on: Speaks more than two languages; beautiful eyes (color doesn’t matter)
Hobbies: Travel, ballet, basketball, swimming, pottery, theater, tap dancing, cooking gourmet organic meals, second-hand shopping in New York City, running to Arabic music, hiking
Describe your ideal first date: To go to a traditional teahouse and chat to see if there is any chemistry because sometimes people’s characters come out while stewing over a pot of tea.
Favorite TV show: “Game of Thrones” and “MasterChef Junior”
Celebrity crush: Salma Hayek
One obscure fact about yourself: I still take bubble baths before I go to bed (not every day) and even though I own a rubber ducky, I don’t include it in the bath sessions.
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Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
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Calendar: May 15-21
United Night Out set for Saturday
