Arts & Entertainment
Petition asks Coachella headliners to donate proceeds to LGBT groups
thousands ask Beyoncè, Kendrick Lamar and Radiohead for donations

(Screenshot via YouTube.)
Thousands of people are urging Coachella headliners to donate proceeds from the festival to LGBT organizations.
Beyoncè, Kendrick Lamar and Radiohead are the big-name headlining acts for the two-weekend Coachella Valley Music Festival in April. Last week, a report from the Washington Post spread that Coachella owner Phil Anschutz had donated to anti-LGBT organizations, such as the Alliance Defending Freedom, the National Christian Foundation and the Family Research Council, in the past.
Anschutz has called the report “fake news” and “garbage.”
“I unequivocally support the rights of all people without regard to sexual orientation,” Anschutz told Rolling Stone.
In light of the report, a petition is asking for the headlining acts to donate the proceeds to The Trevor Project, Trans Lifeline and the Human Rights Campaign.
Care2 LGBTQ issues advocate Sarah Rose told Billboard the petition, which has already received more than 6,000 signatures, is a way to turn the situation around for the better.
“As a transgender woman and advocate for the LGBTQ community, my genuine hope is that these artists can turn a bad situation into a positive one,” Rose says. “I’m a diehard music fan and a musician myself, and I strongly believe that music shouldn’t be used as a means to discriminate.”
The DC Black Pride Opening Reception was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Friday, May 22. Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr was the headline performer. Comedian Anthony Oakes was the host. Speakers included Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson and Center For Black Equity President Kenya Hutton, as well as speakers from health organizations and sponsors. The event featured performances from Billy the Goat, Jay Columbus, Akeem Woods, Rue Pratt, Be Steadwell and Bennu Byrd.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
















Photos
PHOTOS: Black Pride Pageant and Unity Ball
Back-to-back events held on first night of D.C. Black Pride
The Mr. and Miss DC Black Pride Pageant was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. Following the pageant, Black Pride events continued with the 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
























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PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
D.C.-area productions honored at Theatre Washington’s annual ceremony
Theatre Washington’s 42nd Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 18.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)


































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