Arts & Entertainment
‘Survivor’ cast member erects rainbow outhouse on North Carolina’s highest mountain
reality show contestant makes bold statement
Former “Survivor: Kaoh Rong” cast member Neal Gottlieb got creative in protest against North Carolina’s HB2 law on Sunday.
The California-based entrepreneur traveled to North Carolina to climb the state’s highest mountain, Mount Mitchell, and placed a rainbow outhouse at the top with a trans flag attached to the door. Gottlieb included a letter addressed to North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory urging him to repeal the HB2 law.
“As of this morning, an outhouse proudly displaying a trans pride flag is sitting atop Mount Mitchell, North Carolina’s tallest mountain,” the letter reads. “It was placed there in protest of HB2, your state’s institutionalization of discrimination (also known as hate) against members of the trans community (also known as humans).”
“Yes, at least for a little while North Carolina’s highest point is an outhouse; a fitting symbol for a state that has sullied itself with shitty, repressive legislation,” the letter continues.
Gottlieb, who owns Three Twins Ice Cream, has protested LGBT discrimination in a similar fashion before. In 2014 Gottlieb traveled to Uganda’s highest mountain, Margherita Peak, to place a gay pride flag on top. He also left a letter for President Museveni to protest the country’s criminalization of homosexuality.
The Capital Pride Alliance presented the 2026 Capital Pride Honors at “The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia” at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. on Sunday, June 7.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Out & About
Congressional Cemetery hosts Gays & Graves
Daylong Pride celebration blends history, remembrance, art and community
Historic Congressional Cemetery will host the second annual “Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival” on Sunday, June 14 at 11 a.m.
The event will feature pioneering activist Randy Wicker, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and new public art installations and programs celebrating LGBTQ+ history. Gays & Graves is an official partner event of Capital Pride 2026.
This event is a daylong Pride celebration blending history, remembrance, art and community. Visitors can shop from LGBTQ+ and allied artists and makers, experience performances and interactive installations, and engage with programs exploring LGBTQ+ history and lived experience.
For more details, visit the cemetery’s website.
Baltimore Pride is underway, taking place from June 8-14.
The Pride Parade will be on Saturday, June 13 at 12 p.m. at Charles Street & North Avenue, followed by the Pride Block Party at 1 p.m. at Druid Hill Park. And then the Pride Festival will be held on Sunday, June 14 at 12 p.m. at Druid Hill Park.
There will be an array of additional events including: a fashion show, a “Suits and Sneakers” reception and a 5k race, among many other events.
For more details, visit Baltimore Pride’s website.
PHOTOS: The Audacity Brunch
D.C. Council approves expanded grant funding for Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs
Congressional Cemetery hosts Gays & Graves
Baltimore Pride is here
Calendar: June 12-18
EXCLUSIVE: Pelosi reflects on four decades of LGBTQ advocacy
David Archuleta, Monroe Alise named D.C. Pride parade marshals
D.C. prepares to party as Pride celebrations kick off Saturday
PHOTOS: Fairfax City Pride
Blade editor inducted into D.C. Society of Professional Journalists Hall of Fame
-
Congress4 days agoEXCLUSIVE: Pelosi reflects on four decades of LGBTQ advocacy
-
District of Columbia5 days ago
David Archuleta, Monroe Alise named D.C. Pride parade marshals
-
a&e features5 days ago
D.C. prepares to party as Pride celebrations kick off Saturday
-
Photos4 days ago
PHOTOS: Fairfax City Pride
