Arts & Entertainment
Blogging platform LiveJournal’s new user policy threatens pro-LGBT content
blogs with more than 3,000 visitors are now considered ‘media outlets’
(Screenshot via YouTube.)
Blogging platform LiveJournal is now in compliance with Russia law after switching its servers to Russia in December, Gizmodo reports.
LiveJournal, which has about 15.2 million monthly users, updated its user agreement to adhere to Russia’s internet laws. The new agreement says that content that is considered “political solicitation materials” or “contradictory to the laws of the Russian Federation” will be banned. Russian authorities will also have access to the website’s data.
Blogs that receive more than 3,000 visitors per day are now considered media outlets. Those authors are no longer allowed to post anonymously, use obscene language or to publish “extremist materials.”
Gizmodo notes the language in the user agreement is broad and has been used in the past to label conversations about LGBTQ issues as “gay propaganda.”
LiveJournal began in 1999 and the social blogging website became increasingly popular in the early 2000s. Russian-owned SUP Media bought LiveJournal in 2007 but the servers still remained in California.
Some users have decided to move their blogs to other platforms, including Dreamwidth which has a similar code to LiveJournal. However, bloggers are having a hard time communicating with people looking for other options. In order to post on LiveJournal, bloggers must immediately agree to the new terms.
Importing my old fanfic from @livejournal to @dreamwidth, cuz when you have anti LGBTQIA+ policies, I leave! Huzzah! https://t.co/QdEUbTW1CR
— Amie Kaufman ? (@AmieKaufman) April 9, 2017
Crap. I wanted to add a post to the comic directing people to a better place to read it but can’t without agreeing to the anti-LGBT terms.
— Ryan Estrada (@ryanestrada) April 9, 2017
a&e features
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
