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NBA All-Star Game returns to N.C. in 2019

the city hasn’t hosted the event since 1991

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NBA, gay news, Washington Blade
NBA, gay news, Washington Blade

North Carolina will host the NBA All-Star Game in 2019.

The NBA All-Star Game will finally make its way to Charlotte, N.C. in 2019 after the partial repeal of the state’s “bathroom bill.”

The National Basketball Association announced on Wednesday that the All-Star weekend will take place on Feb. 15-17 at the Spectrum Center, the home of the Charlotte Hornets.

Charlotte had been selected as the host city for 2017 but the game relocated to New Orleans in the wake of North Carolina’s “bathroom bill.” Also known as HB2, the law would have required transgender individuals to use restrooms corresponding with the sex listed on their birth certificate.

A new law, known as House Bill 142, modified HB2 to prevent restrictions on individuals using the bathroom that matches their gender identity. However, the bill did not restrict businesses from discriminating against the LGBT community.

“While we understand the concerns of those who say the repeal of HB2 did not go far enough, we believe the recent legislation eliminates the most egregious aspects of the prior law,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.  “Additionally, it allows us to work with the leadership of the Hornets organization to apply a set of equality principles to ensure that every All-Star event will proceed with open access and anti-discrimination policies. All venues, hotels and businesses we work with during All-Star will adhere to these policies as well.”

Charlotte last hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 1991.

 

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Sports

‘Heated Rivalry’ stars to participate in Olympic torch relay

Games to take place next month in Italy

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(Photo courtesy of Crave HBO Max)

“Heated Rivalry” stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will participate in the Olympic torch relay ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics that will take place next month in Italy.

HBO Max, which distributes “Heated Rivalry” in the U.S., made the announcement on Thursday in a press release.

The games will take place in Milan and Cortina from Feb. 6-22. The HBO Max announcement did not specifically say when Williams and Storrie will participate in the torch relay.

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Bars & Parties

Here’s where to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with fellow fans

Entertainers TrevHER and Grey host event with live performance

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(Photo by New Africa/Bigstock)

Spark Social Events will host “Ru Paul’s Drag Race S18 Watch Party Hosted by Local Drag Queens” on Friday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.

Drag entertainers TrevHER and Grey will provide commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party will take place on a heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space.

This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

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Bars & Parties

‘Queer Eye’ watch party set for Friday

DC Center to host event

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Members of the cast of 'Queer Eye' speak at an event at Crush Dance Bar in August. (Blade photo by Michael Key)

The DC Center is hosting a watch party for an episode of the 10th and final season of “Queer Eye,” which was filmed in D.C. The screening will be held on Friday, Jan. 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Center.

The screening will last 45-55 minutes, with community time both before and after the episode. Drinks and snacks will be provided and organizers promise a “surprise or two.” For information on tickets, visit the DC Center’s website.

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