Arts & Entertainment
Joel McHale donates North Carolina comedy show proceeds to LGBT center
the comedian criticizes North Carolina with donation

Joel McHale is protesting North Carolina’s HB2 law by donating “every single dime” from his show in the state.
McHale performed at the Durham Performing Arts Center on Friday, wearing a homemade LGBT T-shirt and told the audience he would be donating all proceeds from the show to the LGBTQ Center of Durham.
“Joel is vehemently opposed to HB2 and knows there are many in Durham (which recently passed a measure condemning the law) that share the feeling,” McHale’s representative said in a statement to People. “He felt this was a good way to raise awareness and much needed funds for a local center that is on the front line of this important cause.”
In a video from the show, McHale is seen calling the law stupid and crazy and says he considered not coming but decided he would because the city council passed a resolution opposing the law. He then promises to donate “every single dime” from his show.
Helena Cragg, the board chair for the LGBTQ Center of Durham, told BuzzFeed News that she is grateful for McHale’s efforts.
“As a new center we generously appreciate that kind of support in this moment while our people are hurting over the ways our local general assembly is not treating them properly,” Cragg told BuzzFeed News.“It’s heartwarming to get that kind of support from someone passing through and performing,” she said.
“I’m a big believer in the fact that for every movement different people need to implement different strategies,” Cragg continued “All strategies that bring attention to this horrible bill and encourage our general assembly to do the right thing are valid.”

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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