Arts & Entertainment
GLAAD Media Awards honor Mariah Carey, Robert De Niro
Jennifer Lawrence made a surprise appearance to present
(Screenshot via YouTube)
The 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards honored Mariah Carey, Robert De Niro and the best in LGBT media in New York City on Saturday. Laverne Cox hosted the festivities.
Jennifer Lawrence gave a surprise appearance when she presented Robert De Niro with the Excellence in Media Award for his HBO documentary “Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro Sr.” The documentary focused on De Niro Sr.’s struggle to hide his sexuality before coming out later in life.
“Robert De Niro Sr. was a gay man who struggled with self-acceptance at a time when organizations like GLAAD were not around,” Lawrence told the audience in the Waldorf Astoria.
“Around the time this film premiered, Bob said something that really resonated with me. He voiced the hope that this documentary would allow his children to fully understand the urgency of the present,” Lawrence continued. “He said, ‘I want them to stop and take a moment and realize that you sometimes have to do things now, instead of later, because later may be twenty years from now and that’s too late.'”
Director Lee Daniels presented Mariah Carey with the Ally Award. Carey told the crowd she wanted to understand what “LGBTQ” stands for before attending the award show.
“I had to learn a whole new alphabet to introduce and not un-include people,” Carey said. “I don’t want to do it wrong. I decided that if I have to memorize it, I might as well elaborate on it. So we have L: legendary. G: gorgeous. B: beautiful — all of you beautiful people. T: tantalizing, and even Q for quality.”
“Thank you for the unconditional love. I thank you, and I wish all of you love, peace and harmony,” Carey continued.
Comedian Aziz Ansari also honored “Anderson Cooper 360” for its segment on U.S. Supreme Court plaintiff Jim Obergefell.
Other winners included Caitlyn Jenner and Diane Sawyer’s “Bruce Jenner: The Interview” on “20/20” for Outstanding TV Journalism – Newsmagazine, “Tangerine” for Outstanding Film – Limited Release and Cosmopolitan for Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage.
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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)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
