Arts & Entertainment
‘American Idol’ finalist claims she ‘chose’ to be straight
the singer says she decided her sexuality
(Screenshot via YouTube)
“American Idol” runner-up La’Porsha Renae is claiming that being gay or straight is a choice because she was able to choose her sexuality.
Renae began defending herself when a person tweeted that the 23-year-old singer was homophobic.
Phobia is a fear. I’m not afraid of homosexuals, nor do I hate them. I respect and love EVERYONE. https://t.co/IejlheUqx5
— La’Porsha~Renae (@laporsharenae) March 8, 2017
Go educate yourself on my statement and come correct or don’t come at all. #RENAETION #DONTBELIEVEVERYTHINGTHE #INTERNETSAYSABOUTPEOPLE https://t.co/IejlheUqx5
— La’Porsha~Renae (@laporsharenae) March 8, 2017
Renae got personal when she revealed she made the choice to be gay for two years before she decided to be straight.
You’re wrong to think it’s not a choice for some….because it was for me. #Truth https://t.co/qHPqu4eJjN
— La’Porsha~Renae (@laporsharenae) March 8, 2017
And the bigger picture of my statement was that homosexuals should be loved and respected, not dehumanized…not whether/not it was a choice https://t.co/qHPqu4eJjN
— La’Porsha~Renae (@laporsharenae) March 8, 2017
@kays1023 Lol now who’s judging? U haven’t walked in my shoes, so don’t try to diagnose me…it’s not your place 2 tell me what I was/wasn’t
— La’Porsha~Renae (@laporsharenae) March 8, 2017
@kays1023 This convo is over. Point is that we should love and respect EVERYONE regardless of our different belief systems. #THATSTHEPOINT..
— La’Porsha~Renae (@laporsharenae) March 8, 2017
Renae elaborated on her tweets in a statement to The Huffington Post saying to those who disagree with her to, “Let people believe what they want to believe about themselves.”
“I took a journey and became more grounded in my faith, and decided that I wanted to live a heterosexual life,” the statement reads. “Some people believe they chose homosexuality and some believe they didn’t. Who’s to say one is wrong? It’s not fair to generalize anyone’s sexuality or walk of life.”
“We don’t have to have the same truths or personal belief systems to love one another and get along… Everyone should have the right to believe in what they believe in and to live their lives the way they feel they want to,” the statement continues.
Last year Renae came under fire for saying she doesn’t “really agree” with the lifestyle of the LGBT community.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony
The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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.
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