Arts & Entertainment
Jeremy Jordan’s cousin released from ‘gay conversion’ camp
‘Supergirl’ star’s family member released
(Screenshot via YouTube)
Actor Jeremy Jordan’s cousin Sarah has been released from a “gay conversion” camp.
“Great news! She’s out! In 5 days, you helped Sarah get released. Details on the GFM page. THANK YOU. #SaveSarah,” the “Supergirl” star tweeted.
The Save Sarah GoFundMe page states that details on continuing with the legal case are unclear at this time. Sarah’s family is no longer requesting donations. Funds are still planned to go towards any needed legal fees with money left over to be used for Sarah’s college tuition.
The page says if the lawsuit is terminated, all funds will be donated to a trust fund for Sarah to attend college.
“And we are hopeful that one day soon all the other LBGT teens out there who face rejection by their families and attempts to ‘fix’ their sexuality will be accepted for who they are,” the page reads.
Executive Director of Heartlight Ministries spoke with People and denied Sarah ever being held against her will at the facility. He describes the facility as a “residential counseling program for teenagers who struggle with a wide range of behavioral and emotional issues.”
“It is disheartening to see that this young woman has had elements of her story made widely public without her consent,” Mark Gregston, Executive Director of Heartlight Ministries told People on Thursday. “The assertion that this teen was held at Heartlight Ministries against her will, or that Heartlight provides any ‘treatment’ services for sexual identity, are categorically untrue.”
Sarah’s parents reportedly sent her to the facility after she wanted to attend prom with her girlfriend. Jordan and his family launched the GoFundMe page for donations to get Sarah released.
The page raised more than $60,000 for attorney fees of its $100,000 goal. Fellow actor Colton Haynes donated $5,000 to the cause.
a&e features
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
