Arts & Entertainment
New documentary claims Carey Grant was bisexual
film says actor was in a relationship with costume designer
(Screenshot via YouTube)
A new documentary claims Hollywood icon Carey Grant had a long time relationship with Australian costume designer Orry-Kelly.
“Women He’s Undressed” chronicles Kelly’s life and career creating costumes for many popular films, most notably Marilyn Monroe’s dress in “Some Like It Hot.” The documentary, based on Kelly’s memoir “Women I’ve Undressed,” also outright claims Grant was a bisexual man who had an intimate relationship with Kelly.
According to the documentary Kelly met Grant, real name Archibald Leach, while they were both struggling financially in New York in 1925. The pair moved in together and eventually moved to Hollywood before Grant moved in with friend and fellow actor Randolph Scott in 1932.
“It (New York) was a city of bachelors. You were surrounded by men who were openly living in ways you couldn’t imagine back home,” film historian William J. Mann says in the documentary.
Grant would eventually go on to be married five times throughout his life.
Kelly’s memoir does not explicitly state that they were lovers but does hint at a close relationship between the two. The costume designer notes Grant’s interest in women, but says “he always comes home to me.”
The New York Post reports that the memoir also describes a violent and volatile relationship between the two men, something that Katherine Thompson, the documentary’s writer, told the New York Post was not uncommon for the time.
“The physical violence between the men [was] not uncommon between homosexual men of the period,’’ Thompson told the New York Post.“A combination of self-loathing and confusion was manifested in a punch-up or, on another occasion, Grant throwing Kelly out of a moving vehicle.’’
“Women He’s Undressed” is now available on DVD and video on demand.
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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)
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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)
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
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Intersex lives, constitutional freedom, and the dangerous future of Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill
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Don’t let Rehoboth rain deter you, there’s lots to do for Memorial Day
HIV Vaccine Awareness Day set for May 18
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Calendar: May 15-21
United Night Out set for Saturday
