Arts & Entertainment
Jennifer Lopez performs at Qatar Airlines event despite human rights concerns
pop star makes controversial appearance
(Screenshot via YouTube)
Jennifer Lopez performed at a private gala on Tuesday in Atlanta, Ga. celebrating the opening of Qatar Airlines’Â Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in June. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) President Sara Nelson penned an open letter to Lopez asking the singer not to perform due to Qatar’s stance on LGBT rights, women’s rights and workers’ rights.
LGBTQ Nation reports Nelson’s letter outlined the numerous problems human rights groups have with the airline, which is owned by the country of Qatar. It is illegal to be LGBT in the country, with punishment including imprisonment up to five years. Labor unions are also illegal and the airline, comprised of 83% women, must get permission to marry which can be denied. Pregnancy can also lead to termination.
In the letter, Nelson says after tweeting her concerns Qatar Airlines offered to have her host the Atlanta event. The president responded she would attend if they could find an openly gay Qatar Airline crew member to invite her, but there was no reply.
Fans urged Lopez, whose latest single “Ain’t Your Mama” preaches about women’s rights and equality, not to perform at the private gala using the hashtag #JLoSayNo. However, the pop star continued on with the performance.
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)
a&e features
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.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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