Arts & Entertainment
Fans react to a fake coming out tweet from Shawn Mendes
the pop singer addressed the rumors in a Snapchat video
Shawn Mendes fans rallied together to stop a fake coming out tweet from spreading online.
“Guys my sexuality shouldn’t be anyone’s business. Yes, I’m gay and I’m proud,” the tweet reads.
#ShawnComingOut pic.twitter.com/qrMRndowyA
— e (@Kardashel) August 29, 2017
The news soon led to the hashtag “ShawnComingOut” and some of his fans let it be known they didn’t care what the Canadian singer’s sexuality was.
Why is Shawn’s sexuality such a big topic in pop culture?? lmao he makes music and the focus should be on THAT #ShawnComingOut
— megan® (@megsrep) August 29, 2017
Soon fans realized the tweet was fake and out of respect for Mendes insisted the message stop getting posted.
i have his notifications on if that was a real tweet i would’ve seen it. stop assuming his sexuality. just let him be shawn. #ShawnComingOut
— spooky nicole (@safetypinshane) August 30, 2017
SHAWN IS AN UNPROBLEMATIC ANGEL AND MAKING FAKE HASHTAGS ABOUT HIS SEXUALITY IS EXACTLY WHAT WE AIN’T GONNA DO #ShawnComingOut pic.twitter.com/520XWTlv49
— m (@radiantana) August 30, 2017
#ShawnComingOut the fact that someone made a fake tweet to force a sexuality into someone is disgusting and y’all should be ashamed
— Vale loves Shawn ❤️? (@Barryftcampbell) August 29, 2017
#ShawnComingOut ITS FAKE PLEASE STOP POSTING ABOUT IT AND RESPECT SHAWN, CHECK HIS PROFILE AND LOOK FOR THE TWEET I DARE YOU.
— 8:01 (@kawaiimendes98) August 31, 2017
Why would you make a fake tweet about that little angel? LEAVE SHAWN ALONE!!! #ShawnComingOut
— Potato [Team?] (@SMendesTHolland) August 31, 2017
Mendes addressed the rumors in a Snapchat video and said he wasn’t offended by the fake tweet falsely saying he’s gay. Instead, the problem was that being gay is seen as something negative.
“Now I’m not frustrated because people were saying that I was gay at all. I have no problem with that because it wouldn’t make a difference to me,” Mendes says in the video. “I’m frustrated because in this day and age people have the audacity to write online that I’m gay as if it were a bad thing.”
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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Calendar: May 15-21
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