Arts & Entertainment
Nico Tortorella defends benefits of polyamory
the ‘Younger’ star says it’s not just about sexual freedom
(Screenshot via YouTube)
Nico Tortorella is defending the benefits of a polyamorous relationship.
The “Younger” star, who identifies as pansexual, has been frank about his open relationship of 11 years with fitness entrepreneur Bethany Meyers, who identifies as a lesbian.
On Bravo’s new digital show “Personal Space,” a panel discussion on romance and relationships, Tortorella defended his relationship and explained it is deeper than sexual freedom.
“I’m not in an open relationship so I can go out and just fu*k whoever I want,” Tortorella says. “For me, it’s more about the ability to emotionally connect with people outside of my primary partner.”
“The fact of the matter is,” Tortorella continues, “we’ve only been shown one story since basically the beginning of time and that’s man, woman and family — and that’s it.”
CEO of Matchmakers Steve Ward responded that it “isn’t good practice to invite other people” into your relationship.
“If you consider your life to be like a rock-faced wall, you can climb that wall by yourself or you can climb that wall in a group of people, like Nico here would prefer to do,” Ward analogized. “Or you can climb that wall in tandem, and two people climbing that wall together are more likely to make it to the top easier, more safely that if you have too many people in your group or if you’re just doing it on your own.”
Tortorella argued that inviting other people into a relationship only helps the couple grow.
“I’m always climbing the wall with one other person, but that person is just changing,” Tortorella says.
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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)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
