Arts & Entertainment
Russia bans popular ‘Overwatch’ comic over lesbian character
the comics cannot be viewed in Russian


(‘Overwatch’ character Tracer kisses her girlfriend Emily in comic. Photo via Blizzard.)
A new comic for the popular “Overwatch” online shooter game has been banned in Russia due to a lesbian kiss.
“Overwatch” revealed that its character Tracer is gay in the digital comic with a scene showing Tracer kissing her girlfriend Emily after exchanging holiday gifts. According to Mashable, the comic has been blocked from appearing in Russian on the video game developer website Blizzard.
The new Overwatch comic is banned in Russia and unavailable in the language because of homophobic laws against “gay propaganda.” pic.twitter.com/u1vfCHXulG
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) December 20, 2016
“In accordance with Russian law, we cannot share this comic with our players on territory of Russian Federation,” reads the translated message.
The law refers to Russia’s 2013 ban on the promotion of “gay propaganda” to minors.
“Due to local legislation in the Russian Federation, we are unable to bring our recent Overwatch digital comic to players in the region,” a Blizzard spokesperson told Mashable. “We regret that those who were eager to read this story comic are unable to do so in their native language.”
Photos
Washington Spirit host largest halftime drag performance in NWSL history

The Washington Spirit celebrated the LGBTQ+ community with the team’s annual Pride Night at Audi Field this past Saturday. Highlighting that evening’s Pride-themed festivities was a
halftime drag performance, featuring over a dozen drag performers from around the
DMV. It was the largest halftime drag performance in NWSL history.
Performers included: Shiqueeta Lee, KCByonce, Citrine the Queen, Elektra Gee, Kabuki Bukkake, Delila B. Lee, Capri Bloomingdale, Tara Ashleigh Austin, Gigi Couture, Dorsell Phinn, Tula, Twix the Drag Queen, Bootsy Omega, Princeza.










The 2023 Reston Pride Festival was held at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, Va. on Saturday, June 3. The music group Betty was the headliner of the festival.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)















Covering @RestonPride for @WashBlade . @bettymusic performing: pic.twitter.com/sZaIlVANi8
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) June 3, 2023

The City of Alexandria, Va. held its sixth annual LGBTQ Pride Festival at Alexandria City Hall on Saturday, June 3.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

















Covering Alexandria Pride for @WashBlade . #Pride #Pride2023 pic.twitter.com/bG0fJk24Lv
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) June 3, 2023
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