Arts & Entertainment
Laverne Cox worried about ‘Sweet Transvestite’ in ‘Rocky Horror’
actress had ‘reservations’ about the term
(Screenshot via YouTube.)
Laverne Cox was excited to take on the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in Fox’s “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” remake, but she was concerned about the outdated language.
In the 1975 film the terms “transvestite” and “transsexual” are used throughout including in the song “Sweet Transvestite.” In an interview at Variety’s Power of Women Luncheon last week, Cox says she did think twice about being in a film using that language.
“That was the only apprehension I really had about doing the film was the term transvestite,” Cox says. “I’ve been telling people, ‘Please do not go up to a transgender person in 2016 and call them a transvestite, that is an antiquated term.’ But in 1975 when ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ came out transvestite meant a very different thing.”
“We don’t use that term anymore, but in the historical context of ‘Rocky Horror’ it’s appropriate you don’t change the words to an iconic song,” Cox continued.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again” airs Thursday at 8 p.m.
The Capital Pride Alliance presented the 2026 Capital Pride Honors at “The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia” at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. on Sunday, June 7.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Out & About
Congressional Cemetery hosts Gays & Graves
Daylong Pride celebration blends history, remembrance, art and community
Historic Congressional Cemetery will host the second annual “Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival” on Sunday, June 14 at 11 a.m.
The event will feature pioneering activist Randy Wicker, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and new public art installations and programs celebrating LGBTQ+ history. Gays & Graves is an official partner event of Capital Pride 2026.
This event is a daylong Pride celebration blending history, remembrance, art and community. Visitors can shop from LGBTQ+ and allied artists and makers, experience performances and interactive installations, and engage with programs exploring LGBTQ+ history and lived experience.
For more details, visit the cemetery’s website.
Baltimore Pride is underway, taking place from June 8-14.
The Pride Parade will be on Saturday, June 13 at 12 p.m. at Charles Street & North Avenue, followed by the Pride Block Party at 1 p.m. at Druid Hill Park. And then the Pride Festival will be held on Sunday, June 14 at 12 p.m. at Druid Hill Park.
There will be an array of additional events including: a fashion show, a “Suits and Sneakers” reception and a 5k race, among many other events.
For more details, visit Baltimore Pride’s website.
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