Arts & Entertainment
Michael Sam says he’s going back to Missouri to fight anti-gay bill
the former NFL player plans to return to his college state
(Screenshot via TMZ)
Michael Sam is taking his fight against Missouri’s anti-gay bill from the page to in person, according to TMZ Sports.Â
When TMZ asked if Sam had plans to stop the bill, known as SJR 39 or “The Religious Freedom Bill,” Sam says he will be taking action in the state that kickstarted his football career.
“I will be going back to Missouri very soon,” Sam says.
Sam has already spoken out again the bill, which would allow businesses to openly discriminate against gay people and their families, writing an op-ed for the Columbia Tribune.Â
“As an athlete who grew up in a Christian home, two things were always made clear to me: First, treat every person, every team, every competitor with respect. Second, everyone should have an equal shot and start on an equal playing field,” Sam writes. “What Missouri lawmakers are attempting to do, however, is push an anti-LGBT resolution that ensures LGBT people start at a loss.”
“For example, SJR 39 would amend our state’s constitution to allow businesses to legally refuse to provide service to same-sex couples. It would allow certain day care facilities and after-school programs, even if they are state-funded, to turn away children of same-sex couples,” Sam continues.
“This resolution would also allow hospitals to refuse to treat LGBT patients, taking away patient rights. SJR 39 is the opposite of respect, and it’s the opposite of equality. It does not reflect the Missouri I know,” Sam writes.
Sam writes that he knows similar bills in Georgia, Indiana and North Carolina have been considered, but people fought back the same way he thinks Missouri should.
“[A]nd everyone from businesses to voters to sports leaders have made one thing clear: Discrimination will not be tolerated in their states,” Sam writes.
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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
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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
