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.”
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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