Arts & Entertainment
Oakland Athletics’ Matt Joyce suspended for two games for homophobic slur
the outfielder called a fan an anti-gay slur during a game
(Screenshot via YouTube.)
Oakland Athletics’ outfielder Matt Joyce has been suspended for two games for calling a fan an anti-gay slur during a game against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif., on Friday.
AP photographer Mark J. Terrill told ESPN that Joyce “uttered several profanities at the fan, called him an anti-gay slur and challenged him to fight” while returning to the dugout.
The MLB announced Joyce, 33, will be suspended for two games without pay. His salary from those two games will be donated to PFLAG. The outfielder will also have to participate in a public outreach initiative with PFLAG.
Joyce also issued an apology in a series of Twitter posts.
1/ In regard to last night’s incident, I first and foremost want to sincerely apologize to the fans, the Oakland A’s, MLB and the most
— Matthew Joyce (@sweetswingin20) August 5, 2017
2/ importantly the LGBTQ community for my comments and actions. A fan yelled vulgar and obscene words about me and my family and I let my
— Matthew Joyce (@sweetswingin20) August 5, 2017
3/ frustrations and emotions get the better of me. I am beyond sorry for the inappropriate language that I used and understand and agree
— Matthew Joyce (@sweetswingin20) August 5, 2017
4/ that those words should NEVER come out of someone’s mouth no matter the situation. Anyone who knows me will tell you that incident it is
— Matthew Joyce (@sweetswingin20) August 5, 2017
5/ not reflective of me as a person, how I treat others, how I live my life and that those hurtful words are not my views. I fully support
— Matthew Joyce (@sweetswingin20) August 5, 2017
6/ and hope to help the LGBTQ community with their efforts in being treated fairly and intend to let my actions speak louder than anything
— Matthew Joyce (@sweetswingin20) August 5, 2017
7/ more that can be said about this truly regrettable moment.
— Matthew Joyce (@sweetswingin20) August 5, 2017
The Athletics posted a statement on Twitter addressing Joyce’s anti-gay comments saying that “the language is unacceptable.”
“The A’s are disappointed by the comments Matt Joyce made to a fan last night. This language is unacceptable & will not be tolerated. We pride ourselves on being inclusive and expect our entire organization to live up to higher standards. We appreciate that Matt is contrite about his conduct and know he will learn from this incident,” the statement reads.
Celebrity News
Madonna announces release date for new album
‘Confessions II’ marks return to the dance floor
Pop icon Madonna on Wednesday announced that her 15th studio album will be released on July 3.
Titled “Confessions II,” the new album is a sequel to 2005’s “Confessions on a Dance Floor,” an Abba and disco-infused hit.
The new album reunites Madonna with producer Stuart Price, who also helmed the original “Confessions” album. It’s her first album of new material since 2019’s “Madame X.”
“We must dance, celebrate, and pray with our bodies,” Madonna said in a press release. “These are things that we’ve been doing for thousands of years — they really are spiritual practices. After all, the dance floor is a ritualistic space. It’s a place where you connect — with your wounds, with your fragility. To rave is an art. It’s about pushing your limits and connecting to a community of like-minded people,” continued the statement. “Sound, light, and vibration reshape our perceptions. Pulling us into a trance-like state. The repetition of the bass, we don’t just hear it but we feel it. Altering our consciousness and dissolving ego and time.”
Denali (@denalifoxx) of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” performed at Pitchers DC on April 9 for the Thirst Trap Thursday drag show. Other performers included Cake Pop!, Brooke N Hymen, Stacy Monique-Max and Silver Ware Sidora.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Arts & Entertainment
In an act of artistic defiance, Baltimore Center Stage stays focused on DEI
‘Maybe it’s a triple-down’
By LESLIE GRAY STREETER | I’m always tickled when people complain about artists “going political.” The inherent nature of art, of creation and free expression, is political. This becomes obvious when entire governments try to threaten it out of existence, like in 2025, when the brand-new presidential administration demanded organizations halt so-called diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programming or risk federal funding.
Baltimore Center Stage’s response? A resounding and hearty “Nah.” A year later, they’re still doubling down on diversity.
“Maybe it’s a triple-down,” said Ken-Matt Martin, the theater’s producing director, chuckling.
The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
Gay D.C. police lieutenant arrested on child porn charges
Demonstrators disrupt OMB director hearing over PEPFAR
HIV/AIDS group NMAC is ‘destabilized’ and in financial crisis: sources
Madonna announces release date for new album
Senegalese court issues first conviction under new anti-LGBTQ law
An effort to increase the number of psychiatrists of color
Comings & Goings
Trump budget targets ‘gender extremism’
Minimal version of ‘Streetcar Named Desire’ heading to Dupont Underground
