Arts & Entertainment

Nyle DiMarco wins ‘Dancing with the Stars’

former Maryland resident takes ‘DWTS’ title

Published

10 years ago

May 25, 2016

Mariah Cooper

(Screenshot via YouTube)

Nyle DiMarco and his partner Peta Murgatroyd won the coveted mirror ball, closing out the 22nd season of “Dancing with the Stars” on Tuesday night.

The 27-year-old model became the first deaf contestant to win the competition. After receiving straight 10s from the judges for his cha-cha/tango fusion dance, judge Carrie Ann Inaba sent him a message with sign language which brought DiMarco to tears.

“I said ‘thank you for touching us all with your dancing,'” Inaba told the crowd.

UFC fighter Paige VanZant and “Good Morning America” meteorologist Ginger Zee took second and third place.

DiMarco, who grew up in Frederick, Md. and is a Gallaudet University alum, won the last season of “America’s Next Top Model.” The model also participated in the first same-sex dance in “Dancing with the Stars” history earlier in the season.

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Photos

PHOTOS: Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade

Annual LGBTQ celebration held in Dutch city during World Pride

Published

60 minutes ago

August 1, 2026

Michael Key and Michael K. Lavers

A scene from the 2026 Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Editor’s note: International News Editor Michael K. Lavers and Photo Editor Michael Key are on assignment in the Netherlands through Aug. 10.

AMSTERDAM — The 2026 Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade was held on Saturday, Aug. 1.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key and Michael K. Lavers)

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Photos

PHOTOS: Lambda Legal in the Pines

Fundraiser held at ‘Normal Heart’ house

Published

1 day ago

July 31, 2026

Guest photographer

A scene from the 'Lambda Legal in the Pines' fundraiser on July 25. (Photo by Santiago Felipe)

The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”

Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.

(Photos by Santiago Felipe)

Out & About

Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

Published

1 day ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite.