Arts & Entertainment
‘King Cobra’ director says James Franco isn’t gay-baiting fans
Justin Kelly says the actor’s interest in LGBT content is genuine
(Screenshot via YouTube)
“King Cobra” director Justin Kelly doesn’t think James Franco is gay-baiting to help his career.
Franco has recently opened up about his views on sexuality in his work and own life, calling himself “a little gay” speaking with New York magazine.
In an interview with The Daily Beast, Kelly says Franco, who starred in “I Am Michael,” hasn’t received a positive reaction talking about his interest in gay culture.
“Before ‘I Am Michael’ he had already done a slew of gay-themed films. So before I ever met him or worked with him, I heard the conversation from within the gay community, which was typically very negative and skeptical. That he’s taking roles from gay actors, or what have you,” Kelly told The Daily Beast.
Franco, who has said he enjoys putting gay content in his films, stars in the upcoming “King Cobra,” a film about the 2007 murder of adult entertainment director Bryan Kocis.
Kelly says what Franco is doing isn’t hurting the gay community.
“But at this point I find myself being very defensive. Because honestly what he’s doing is more progressive and far more helpful to the gay community than—I’m going to put my foot in my mouth so I’m going to stop there,” Kelly continued.
Kelly also says Franco’s interest in making gay films isn’t calculated to earn gay fans.
“But for an actor of his caliber to say that he picks roles based on character and story, and sexuality is secondary, to keep playing gay characters, is a good thing. It’s wildly progressive. I don’t really understand [the conversation] because the whole point of what I feel like the gay community’s goal, to be quote-unquote ‘normal’ is having actors do what he does,” Kelly says.
“Even people will question his sexuality because he plays gay, it’s backwards to me. Why are you assuming that he’s gay because he keeps playing gay characters? And does that mean that gay actors can’t play straight characters? It goes both ways,” Kelly continued.
“King Cobra” also stars Keegan Allen, Garrett Clayton, Christian Slater and Molly Ringwald.
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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)
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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)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
