Arts & Entertainment
Absolut Vodka ad features transgender storyline
Swedish alcohol company’s commercial is part of new campaign
Absolut Vodka released a commercial with a transgender storyline this month that has gained almost 600,000 views on YouTube.
The commercial, titled “Darla,” is part of the vodka brand’s #AbsolutNights campaign. A man at a music festival bumps into his old friend Dave who has now transitioned into a woman called Darla. The man is hesitant to reconnect, but Darla grabs his hand.
The pair dance together, take pictures, watch a parade and drink Absolut Vodka. At the end of the night, Darla opens up about her transition.
“We walked, and she told me she always felt this way,” the man says in a voiceover. “I just listened, and somehow I understood.”
“She was my friend. The same person. The same heart. She hadn’t changed. I had,” the man continues. The newfound friends embrace and walk off together.
“When was the last time you were true to yourself? Sometimes being open to new possibilities is all it takes,” the campaign’s tagline reads.
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)














Photos
PHOTOS: Taste of Point
Annual fundraiser supporting LGBTQ youth scholarships and mentorships held at Room & Board
The Point Foundation held the annual Taste of Point fundraiser at Room & Board on Wednesday, May 13.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
















