Arts & Entertainment
Jussie Smollett, Tituss Burgess keep #EyesOnChechnya in MTV advocacy video
RuPaul, Nick Cannon, among others support the campaign
(Jussie Smollett. Screenshot via Twitter.)
Jussie Smollett, Tituss Burgess and Carson Kressley, among others, have joined forces with MTV to bring awareness to the anti-gay persecution in the Russian republic of Chechnya.
For over 100 days, we’ve known about gay and bi men being targeted in Chechnya. Will you speak out? https://t.co/5ztKiKKsH5 #EyesOnChechnya pic.twitter.com/y200uY9d2j
— MTV (@MTV) July 12, 2017
“In Chechnya, gay and bisexual men have been hunted down, rounded up, and continue to be illegally detained in prison. Many have been tortured and at least three men have been murdered,” reads a post on MTV’s website. “In spite of these horrors, not enough people are aware of what’s happening or taking action.Together we can raise the volume on the public outcry, and let the world know that we have our #EyesOnChechnya.”
MTV gives educational resources on the situation and ways to get involved. The website also links to a petition from the Human Rights Campaign to urge President Donald Trump to “join other world leaders from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to German Chancellor Angela Merkel in making it clear to Russia that lawless detentions, arrests, torture and murders of LGBTQ people are unacceptable.”
Other celebrities have used their social media platforms to be a part of the movement including RuPaul, Nick Cannon and Lena Dunham.
We’ve known about gay men targeted in Chechnya for more than 100 days. Will @whitehouse speak out? #EyesOnChechnya https://t.co/VVHkEyNefF pic.twitter.com/6jBYpBWka7
— RuPaul (@RuPaul) July 14, 2017
@whitehouse for over 100 days we’ve known abt gay/bi men targeted in Chechnya. Will you speak out? #EyesOnChechnya https://t.co/kF6zHBdvok pic.twitter.com/lHcI6aeLPJ
— Nick Cannon (@NickCannon) July 12, 2017
I have my #EyesOnChechnya but do you? Demand justice for the gay and bi men being targeted: https://t.co/4VPlaRKn55 pic.twitter.com/578zh9ylSU
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) July 12, 2017
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.
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)
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