Arts & Entertainment
Andrew Garfield faces criticism for saying he’s gay ‘without the physical act’
the actor explained he prepared for a LGBT role by watching ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’
(Screenshot via YouTube.)
Andrew Garfield is facing criticism after making comments about “being gay” while discussing how he prepared to play a gay character on stage.
Garfield is currently starring as Prior Walter, a gay man battling AIDS, in the London stage revival of Tony Kushner’s “Angel in America.” The Gay Times reports that while promoting the play, the 33-year-old explained that he prepared for the role of a gay man by watching “RuPaul’s Drag Race” with friends.
“Every Sunday I would have eight friends over and we would just watch Ru,” Garfield says. “This is my life outside of this play. I am a gay man right now just without the physical act — that’s all.”
The actor continued on that he is open to exploring his sexuality later on in life but doesn’t think he feels an attraction to the same sex right now.
“As far as I know, I am not a gay man,” Garfield says. “Maybe I’ll have an awakening later in my life, which I’m sure will be wonderful and I’ll get to explore that part of the garden, but right now I’m secluded to my area, which is wonderful as well. I adore it.”
Garfield also voiced his concerns about whether as a straight man he had “a right” to play such a “wonderful gay role.”
“I had to trust that it was the right thing and Tony had asked me and maybe if he’d asked me, it was the right thing,” Garfield says. “It was as about doing honor, doing justice and knowing my herstory.”
Some people took to Twitter to slam Garfield’s comments and to explain that being gay is more than just watching “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Straight tourists who try on oppression for kicks make me so tired. Andrew Garfield and James Franco… guys… you will never understand.
— ? Hamish Steele ? (@hamishsteele) July 5, 2017
I like how Andrew Garfield’s view of being gay is having friends over to watch RuPaul.
— Eric M. (@thefilmviews) July 6, 2017
Andrew Garfield: I’m a gay man without the physical act because I watch Rupaul’s Drag Race pic.twitter.com/5AknYcOXl5
— Chelsea (@zaynscoweyelash) July 6, 2017
Andrew Garfield is “gay without the physical act” because he watches RuPaul.
– Rich Straight White Men Try To Be Interesting Vol. 53
— akili (@broxbeeble) July 6, 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
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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
