Arts & Entertainment
Kesha gets emotional accepting Visibility Award at Nashville Equality Dinner
pop singer is moved to tears in wake of legal battle
(Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)
Kesha was brought to tears while giving her acceptance speech for the Visibility Award during the Nashville Equality Dinner.
Fellow singer Wrabel presented the HRC Visibility Award to Kesha in recognition of her speaking out against bullying LGBT youth. In her speech, Kesha briefly touched on her tumultuous legal battle with her producer Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald, whom she has accused of sexual assault and battery. She also spoke about her love for the LGBT community.
“As many of you know I am going through some personal things that have been really intense and hard lately and I just want to say thank you for any support I’ve received,” the 29-year-old singer told the crowd.
“I’ve met many members of the LGBT community, and some very, very close friends, who have come close to taking their own lives because of the abuse they’ve had to deal with, and that is heartbreaking,” Kesha said. “I don’t want to live in a world where we treat each other like that.”
“That’s why my message has always been about being yourself. And we really have to love each other and support each other,” Kesha continued.
In February a judge ruled that Kesha’s allegations against Dr. Luke would not be able to free her from her contract which states she is only allowed to make music with Dr. Luke as her producer. Fans have offered their support using the hashtag #FreeKesha on social media. Musical colleagues have also stood in the pop singer’s defense including Lady Gaga, Adele and Taylor Swift.
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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