Arts & Entertainment
Laverne Cox channels her inner Beyoncé on ‘Lip Sync Battle’
actress makes audience lose their breath
(Screenshot via YouTube.)
Laverne Cox and Samira Wiley gave “Orange is the New Black” fans something to scream about when they took each other on in Spike’s “Lip Sync Battle” on Wednesday night.
Samira Wiley, who played Poussey Washington on the Netflix show, kicked off the final battle with her interpretation of “OPP” by Naughty By Nature. In a ’90s-inspired outfit of overalls and Timberland boots the 29-year-old actress mouthed the words complete with backup dancers.
The D.C. native was even joined by Naughty By Nature to close out her show.
Cox, 32, kept her cool throughout the performance before she took the stage as Beyoncé performing the Destiny’s Child hit “Lose My Breath.” The performance appeared to be a callback to Beyoncé’s Super Bowl half-time show earlier this year with an all black outfit. She ended the show by breaking into a split.
While Cox’s performance got the audience cheering and hosts LL Cool J and Chrissy Teigen dancing, Wiley took home the belt.
Watch below.
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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