Arts & Entertainment
Twitter reacts to Orlando shooting with compassion, outrage; others tweet hate
users take to social media to voice opinions

Twitter erupted with reactions from celebrities, politicians and the LGBT community following news of the shooting at gay club Pulse in Orlando, Fla., on Sunday morning.
While many expressed compassion towards the victims and their families, others took to social media to praise gunman Omar Mateen and to share their homophobic views.
God opened His armory to deal with proud fag america. 20 dead in mass shooting at #Orlando “gay” nightclub #Pulse https://t.co/pmokhjaIls — WBCVideo (@WBCVideo) June 12, 2016
Man I don’t know what’s better that fact that gays were killed or the fact that the killer was Muslim and a Democrat. ??? #Orlando #Shooting
— (((Don Juanburg))) (@Jesushatesfig) June 12, 2016
I wake up to some dude shooting up a gay nightclub. Isn’t that weird. Homosexuality is condemned by God so that’s why he let that happen ppl
— Chaasad Amath (@AhchNach) June 12, 2016
Florida Pulse gay club attacked I’m so happy someone decided to start shooting perverts instead of innocent people. https://t.co/AABxc642zb — Jonathan Howell (@Jhowell1214) June 12, 2016
Daily Mail reports Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick tweeted “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galations 6:7″ hours after the shooting. Patrick’s social media handler, Allen Blakemore, says the tweet was scheduled ahead of time and not connected to the shooting.
The tweet has since been deleted.
“The Lt. Governor is traveling out of the country, but our social media team has deleted the posts and graphics,” Blakemore said in a statement. “We regret the unfortunate timing of these posts and ask everyone to join us in praying for the people of Orlando in this awful time.”
Others took to social media to express their frustrations and sadness about the biggest mass shooting in U.S. history, which specifically targeted the LGBT community.
I literally never want to hear again that LGBT people in the bathroom are a threat to public safety.
— Jeremy Moss (@JeremyAllenMoss) June 12, 2016
You’re scared to be in a bathroom with us? We’re scared to be anywhere with you. — (((Rhea Butcher))) (@RheaButcher) June 12, 2016
Devastated by the news out of FL. Whatever the madness behind this, let us all come together first to support victims & their loved ones.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 12, 2016
I am gay and I am not afraid. Love conquers all. #PrayforOrlando — Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) June 12, 2016
I’m gutted over the news in Orlando- the tears will not stop. My thoughts are w my gay brothers and sisters and their families.
— Lance Bass (@LanceBass) June 12, 2016

The Victory Fund held its National Champagne Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, April 27. Speakers included Tim Gunn, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.).
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

















Music & Concerts
Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’
Out singer/songwriter to perform at Red Bear Brewing Co.

Singer Tom Goss will bring his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to D.C. on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Among the songs he will perform will be “Bear Soup,” the fourth installment in his beloved bear song anthology series. Following fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” this high-energy, bass-thumping banger celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture.
For more details, visit Tom Goss’s website.

Friday, May 2
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at P.F. Chang’s. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 3
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, May 4
“The Chateau Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Chicatana. Enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMV’s best drag performers. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“The Bubble: Queer Brooklyn Comics in DC” will be at 5 p.m. at As You Are. Queer comedians Charlie Flynn, Evan Lazarus and Keara Sullivan are coming down from NYC for a night of fun as they split an hour of standup comedy. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 5
“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 6
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 7
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older queer women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 8
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
South Asian Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The peer support group is an outlet for South Asian-identified LGBTQ individuals to come and talk about anything affecting them. It’s a secure, judgment-free environment to discuss relationships, sexuality, health, well-being, identity, culture, religion, or anything that is on your mind. For more details, email [email protected].
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