Arts & Entertainment
GLAAD Media Awards 2016: ‘Sense8,’ ‘Carol,’ ‘Transparent’ win big
Lilly Wachowski makes first public appearance since transition

The 2016 GLAAD Media Awards honored the best in LGBT media including “Sense8,” Carol” Demi Lovato and Ruby Rose.
Lilly Wachowski made her first public appearance since her transition while accepting the Outstanding Drama Series for Netflix original series “Sense8.” During her acceptance speech ,Wachowski spoke on her transgender experience.
“Love is a crucial thing for transgender people. It’s a tether,” Wachowski said in her speech.”When faced with a rather simple proposition of whether you’re unlovable, our imagination falters. Too many of us end up on the wrong side of the existential question of love or oblivion. And so we ring that bell. Not just for everyone else’s sake, but our own.”
Demi Lovato accepted the Vanguard Award and Ruby Rose was presented the Stephen F. Kolzak Award by Taylor Swift, who made a surprised appearance.
“Carol” won for Outstanding Film Wide Release after being largely ignored at the Oscars this year. For television, Amazon Prime’s “Transparent” picked up an award for Outstanding Comedy Series.
“I Am Cait” and “I Am Jazz” tied for Outstanding Reality Program. “Bessie,” starring Queen Latifah as bisexual singer Bessie Smith, won for Outstanding TV Movie or Limited Series. Outstanding Music Artist went to YouTuber and musician Troye Sivan.
GLAAD CEO and President Sarah Kate Ellis also spoke about Georgia’s discriminatory LGBT bill.
“We saw the power of Hollywood when we pulled together and came out against it in Georgia and Gov. Deal vetoed [the recent bill]. So, I think it’s really important that moving forward we’re having this conversation on a daily basis because these are popping up on a daily basis,” Ellis said.
The ceremony airs on LOGO on Monday, April 4. More awards will be given in New York on May 14.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony

The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)



























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.




