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.
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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
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
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)
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
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HIV Vaccine Awareness Day set for May 18
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Calendar: May 15-21
United Night Out set for Saturday
