Arts & Entertainment
Celebrities react to Trump administration revoking protections for trans students
Jackie Evancho, Laverne Cox, Jazz Jennings speak out


(Jackie Evancho. Screenshot via YouTube.)
In the wake of President Donald Trump announcing federal guidelines protecting transgender students would be revoked on Wednesday, LGBT celebrities and allies are offering support to the transgender community.
Jackie Evancho, who sang the national anthem at Trump’s inauguration last month, spoke out on Twitter that she is “disappointed” with Trump’s decision. The “America’s Got Talent” runner-up has a transgender sister, Juliet, and offered to speak with Trump on the importance of transgender rights.
I am obviously disappointed in the @POTUS decision to send the #transgender bathroom issue to the states to decide. #sisterlove
— jackie evancho (@jackieevancho) February 22, 2017
. @realDonaldTrump u gave me the honor 2 sing at your inauguration. Pls give me & my sis the honor 2 meet with u 2 talk #transgender rghts ❤
— jackie evancho (@jackieevancho) February 23, 2017
Other celebrities have also voiced their support, including Laverne Cox and Jazz Jennings, on Twitter. Read their emotional reactions below.
Just seeing the news about removing laws protecting trans people. This isn’t about politics. It’s about human rights, and it’s not okay.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) February 23, 2017
For anyone who feels scared or hopeless, know that we will never stop fighting for your rights.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) February 23, 2017
trans kids lives now in danger after a very short sense of false security. THE BLOOD IS ON YOUR HANDS, TRUMP SUPPORTERS. WAKE THE FUCK UP
— michelle visage (@michellevisage) February 23, 2017
we must #ProtectTransKids. this administration is attacking disenfranchised communities one by one. we must stand together for what’s right. https://t.co/zbCIoMZKRi
— Tyler Oakley (@tyleroakley) February 23, 2017
This sick act will not go down unnoticed or without a fight. Let’s go bitches?? #ProtectTransKids
— Gigi (@TheGigiGorgeous) February 23, 2017
To my trans community, stay hopeful and stand united! #ProtectTransKids ??? pic.twitter.com/HWRsN5hwbm
— Jazz Jennings (@JazzJennings__) February 22, 2017
Oh yeah! Because #trans students are the REAL threat. Jesus. #LGBT #LGBTQ #wtf @BetsyDeVosED @jeffsessions https://t.co/pAuKNl17we
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) February 22, 2017
#GavinGrimm is so amazing. #StandwithGavin https://t.co/EZf9kekOL6 #TransRightsAreHumanRights #translivesmatter #TransIsBeautiful
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) February 23, 2017
The Trump administration’s war on the LGBT community has begun. Be prepared to take our fight to the streets. Are you with us, LGBT allies?
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) February 23, 2017
To the LGBTQ community, I’m sorry for the message that was sent today. They don’t speak for all of us. We love you.
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) February 23, 2017
We need to protect trans youth and stand up against this cruelty that hurts our kids. Support @Translifeline
— Ellen Page (@EllenPage) February 22, 2017
Trans friend, if you are struggling tonight, please reach out to @TrevorProject and @Translifeline. Equality for all! #ISTANDWITHGAVIN pic.twitter.com/bgipj0rmqg
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) February 23, 2017
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)






















The Washington Blade held its 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on Friday, May 16. Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer spoke along with State Sen. Russ Huxtable, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey, Blade Editor Kevin Naff, and Clear Space Theatre Managing Director Joe Gfaller. The event raises funds for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which was awarded to AU student Abigail Hatting.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)

















