Arts & Entertainment
Aaron Carter takes HIV test in emotional ‘The Doctors’ interview
the singer also revealed his addiction to pills, cosmetic surgery
(Screenshot via YouTube.)
Aaron Carter learned he is HIV negative during an emotional, two-part interview on “The Doctors,” which aired this week.
Carter, who came out as bisexual in August, shared that he feared he could be HIV positive because of his low weight. The 29-year-old singer learned he weighs just 115 pounds at six feet tall.
He also admitted that he hasn’t always been safe sexually.
“I felt like I was putting people at risk with my body,” Carter told gastroenterologist Dr. Jorge Rodriguez and “Doctors” host Travis Stork. “And that was scary and what else scared me is that I didn’t have the courage to go face the music.”
The test revealed Carter tested negative for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.
A drug test was also given to Carter, who has been accused of using cocaine and meth. Carter tested negative for those drugs but tested positive for marijuana, Benzodiazepines (Xanax) and opiates (hydrocodone).
“What scares me about that drug panel,” Dr. Stork tells Carter, “is your sister (Leslie Carter) perished from an overdose and you’ve got a mixture of benzodiazepines with opiates, which is how many people accidentally can die. These medications — and I’m speaking now purely from the doctor’s perspective — can be very, very scary.”
Carter also opened up about his addiction to cosmetic surgery.
“I get fillers. Restylane, Voluma, Rejuviderm. I get all three, and I’m going to continue doing it,” Carter says.
In another segment, Carter got emotional discussing the trauma he’s experienced with his family, including the death of his sister and father and his estranged relationship with his brother, Nick Carter.
“My lowest point was right after my sister died. My brother Nick sending me pictures of Whitney Houston in a coffin, saying RIP. Thanks for listening, because you never did,” Carter says. “I lost my career, my parents divorced, I lost my dad, I lost my sister, I lost my brother Nick, I lost Angel [his twin sister]. How do I keep going? I don’t know.”
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
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
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)
Iran war causes condom shortage in India
U.S. attorney nominee confirmed despite anti-LGBTQ history, no trial experience
Vt. lawmaker equates transgender identity with bestiality
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
BREAKING NEWS: Barney Frank dies at 86
Disillusioned about democracy? Think of it as a community garden
Honey, have we been priced out of gay paradise?
IDAHOBiT a reminder we all must stand up against transphobia
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
