Arts & Entertainment
Teen comes out while riding Splash Mountain
16-year-old captured moment on Action Cam
@ayydubs this is how I came out yesterday lolol pic.twitter.com/UqStjeZRyF
— gina (@ginaslife3) June 20, 2016
A California teen decided to come out to her family with the help of Splash Mountain’s Action Cam.
16-year-old Gina told BuzzFeed News she had known she was gay for about a year. When she and her mom went to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., she held up a sign saying “I’m Gay!” while posing for Splash Mountain’s Action Cam.
“I am not the type of person to have a deep, sit-down conversation, so I wanted to tell them in a lighthearted and fun way,” Gina told BuzzFeed News. “I love funny ride photos, so I figured I could make the sign just in case I decided to go for it, and I did.”
After her mom saw the picture, she sent it to Gina’s dad and brother who Gina says were “already 70% sure I was gay.” Although her mom had no idea, Gina says her family’s reaction was “super accepting.”
Gina tweeted the Splash Mountain photo and received an overwhelming response. The tweet received more than 5,000 retweets and more than 9,000 likes.
“I never expected it to blow up like this,” Gina told BuzzFeed News. “This Twitter account was just my spam account where I posted random fangirl stuff but I decided it couldn’t hurt to post it and the result was absolutely amazing.”
Gina says her tweet has helped other closeted LGBT teens.
“People have responded saying I’ve inspired them to do the same thing, which I think is the coolest part of it all,” Gina says.
Speaking with the Huffington Post, Gina gave some advice for teens thinking about coming out.
“It’s an overwhelming process, so just make sure you’re comfortable with who you are and make sure you’re prepared for questions or reactions people may have. I also know it’s sometimes hard to tell if you’re ready or not, so just be sure to give yourself time to really think about if you’re prepared,” Gina says.
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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