Arts & Entertainment
Singapore censors Obama’s LGBT comments on ‘Ellen’
a network in the city-state edits ‘Ellen’ broadcast for LGBT content
(Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)
According to Gay Star News, Obama’s segment congratulating DeGeneres on her role in gay rights progression was cut from the Feb. 23 broadcast on the channel.
DeGeneres thanked Obama for his dedication to LGBT rights in the episode, which originally aired on Feb. 14 in the U.S. Obama responded by thanking DeGeneres for the work she has done as a gay entertainment icon.
“As much as we’ve done with laws and ending ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ et cetera, changing hearts and mind…I don’t think anybody has been more influential than you on that,” Obama told DeGeneres who became teary eyed over the praise.
“You being willing to claim who you were, that suddenly empowers other people,” Obama continued. “And then suddenly, it’s your brother, it’s your uncle, it’s your best friend, it’s your co-workers. And then attitudes shift. And the law is followed, but it started with folks like you. I’m so proud of you.”
Gay Star News reports that in addition to Obama’s segment being censored, Michelle Obama wishing DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi Happy Valentine’s Day was also cut from the broadcast.
Channel 5 in Singapore is owned by Mediacorp, a government-owned broadcaster that controls seven television channels in the city-state.
Mediacorp caused controversy in the city-state when it hired Adam Lambert to perform during its on air New Year’s Eve celebration. The performer choice caused a petition for Lambert’s removal due to his “acts of indecency.”
a&e features
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)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
