Arts & Entertainment
Lance Bass slams FDA’s ban on blood donations from gay men
the star expressed frustration over not being allowed to help Las Vegas victims
Lance Bass (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)
Lance Bass blasted the FDA’s ban on donations from gay men in frustration over not being allowed to donate blood to victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting.
“How is it STILL illegal for gays to donate blood??!!” Bass tweeted. “I want to donate and I’m not allowed.”
How is it STILL illegal for gays to donate blood??!! I want to donate and I’m not allowed. ?
— Lance Bass (@LanceBass) October 3, 2017
FDA guidelines state that men can only donate blood 12 months after his last sexual contact with another man. The law came into effect in December 2015 to replace a lifetime ban against gay men donating blood.
Other gay men criticized the ban on Twitter in the wake of the tragedy which left 59 people dead and 527 injured.
It infuriates me that gay & bisexual men can be turned away from donating blood in Las Vegas because of the @US_FDA‘s discriminatory policy.
— Shane Bitney Crone (@ShaneBitney) October 2, 2017
Just a reminder that I wanted to donate my O+ universal blood today for Vegas but can’t bc I’m gay ???
— Gilbert Romero☀️?? (@GilbertRomeroAZ) October 3, 2017
It is 2017.
We’ve had multiple humanitarian crises and mass shootings.
And gay folks still cannot immediately donate blood.
It is 2017. https://t.co/RC5LDTxI3r— Mario (@mtehuitz) October 3, 2017
That awkward moment you want to donate blood to victims in Vegas, but remember you can’t because you’re gay….
— Nick Silva (@NICKBSILVA) October 2, 2017
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)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
