Arts & Entertainment
Michael Sam slams Missouri’s anti-LGBT bill
former NFL player calls measure ‘opposite of respect’
(Screenshot via YouTube)
Michael Sam spoke out against Missouri’s religious freedom bill, which would protect businesses who deny services to same-sex couples, on Wednesday.
According to the Associated Press, Sam addressed about 80 people at a rally against the legislation at the Capital Rotunda. He said the bill is “the opposite of respect and it is the opposite of equality.”
“It does not reflect the Missouri I know,” Sam told the crowd.
Sam spoke with ACLU while protesting the bill and explained why he’s standing against the bill.
“Missouri is my home. It’s so important to speak about this issue and stopping SJR39 from passing in the house. If this does pass, I think this will be a great loss for the LGBT community in the state of Missouri,” Sam told ACLU.
Sam continued that when he came out he felt welcomed by University of Missouri and the state, but the bill would undo all that progress.
“Everybody was looking at Missouri as ‘Wow, that coach, that team, that state has my kid’s best interests at heart. I’m going to send my kid to Missouri because there’s a safe haven.’ Now it doesn’t seem so safe anymore.”
Voting on the measure was scheduled for Wednesday evening, but Chairman of the House Emerging Issues Committee, Elijah Haahr, announced that voting can now be expected on Monday.
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)
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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.
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