Arts & Entertainment
Eminem says he uses Grindr, baffles fans
Twitter exploded with theories behind the answer


(Photo via Instagram.)
Eminem fans were left wondering if the 46-year-old rapper was joking when he shared he’s used dating apps like Grindr.
Eminem, real name Marshall Mathers, has been single since his divorce from ex-wife Kim Scott in 2006. In an interview with Vulture, he revealed nothing serious has come from his dating life.
“It’s tough. Since my divorce I’ve had a few dates and nothing’s panned out in a way that I wanted to make it public. Dating’s just not where I’m at lately,” Eminem says.
The interviewer asks “When you were dating, how’d you meet people? Tinder?” to which Eminem replies “Yeah, Tinder. And Grindr. I also used to go to strip clubs.”
Fans were confused by his response as Eminem has been criticized for using gay slurs in his music. While some people thought Eminem was casually revealing his sexuality others thought the comment was clearly meant as a joke.
IMHO I don’t think Eminem was really joking when he said he uses Grindr. He is very smart and self-aware. I think he knows people will *think* he’s joking – and that his rep will say he’s joking – but I don’t think he’s joking. And good for him! ???
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) December 20, 2017
Eminem was joking about using Grindr. These sites really don’t know his humor. Also, even if he is bisexual? That’s awesome. Nothing wrong with that at all. I’m heterosexual but who knows. Sexuality is fluid imo. Could I be into men one day? I never have been but I def could.
— Nicholas Matthew Richardson (@Slicknickshady) December 19, 2017
Now if Eminem is gay or bi I really don’t mind, like that’s his business but if he says all this things for attention I think he’s a fool for that.. you can’t just say some stuff because you seek attention
— IsThatMike ? (@KonczMihai) December 19, 2017
So Eminem is gay? That… fits. And I know all his fans heads have exploded which is great.
— ? A Festively Snatched Scalp ? (@YonceHaunted) December 19, 2017
am i missing something or is it not obvious the eminem grindr thing was a joke
— david drake (@somanyshrimp) December 19, 2017
This Eminem using Grindr story reminds me of that scene in The Interview except this time the interviewer just didn’t follow up on it pic.twitter.com/qstMUWq6qN
— Adam Gilroy (@GilroysWorld) December 19, 2017
There’s been a lot of great journalism in 2017, but the reported who didn’t ask Eminem any followup questions about using Grindr has let down their entire profession https://t.co/sVTD6qr1lw
— Elijah Clark-Ginsberg (@eclarkginsberg) December 19, 2017

The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)






















The Washington Blade held its 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on Friday, May 16. Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer spoke along with State Sen. Russ Huxtable, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey, Blade Editor Kevin Naff, and Clear Space Theatre Managing Director Joe Gfaller. The event raises funds for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which was awarded to AU student Abigail Hatting.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)



















In some fowl fiction foreshadowing, a gay-owned chicken joint has come home to roost on U Street, taking a page from the chicken window subplot on the HBO show “Looking.”
Last Friday, Lucky Pollo – much more than just a takeout window – stretched its wings atop the busy nightlife corner of 14th and U Streets NW.
Behind the poultry production place is Zach Renovátes, a D.C.-based nightlife operator and managing partner of LGBTQ venues Bunker and District Eagle, as well as the LGBTQ event production company KINETIC Presents.
Renovátes opened Bunker in February 2023 and District Eagle in January of this year. Lucky Pollo is the third in his growing gay empire, though this time there are noshes.
“Lucky Pollo was meant to be fun and a little provocative,” Renovátes said.
Based around its Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, Lucky Pollo is a quick-service restaurant boasting a small menu of poultry and sides. Renovátes says that the dishes are deeply rooted in Peruvian culinary tradition, “a playful experience alongside seriously good food.”
Lucky Pollo’s signature chicken is steeped in a dozen-plus-spice marinade for 24 hours. The meat is then slow-roasted, rotisserie-style, over oak-wood charcoal. Chicken options include quarter, half, and whole.
Helming the kitchen at Lucky Pollo is Chef Luis Herrera, who brings Peruvian recipes passed down through three generations, including his grandmother Laura’s original creations.

Beyond the full bird, the menu features Peruvian-inspired sides like yuca fries (“I personally love these,” says Renovátes) and fried plantains, as well as comfort classics such as mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, and bowls, wraps, and salads. Herrera oversees development of the multiple sauces (including staff favorite, the “secret green sauce”), crafted in-house using traditional Peruvian ingredients.
Lucky Pollo, in its streetside perch, is an independent concept from District Eagle, open to the public and staying open late (3 a.m. on weekends) to serve both nightlife guests and the wider U Street crowd hungry for late-night bites. However, just beyond the kitchen, tucked in the back lies a vintage 1950s candy machine—labeled “Out of Order,” which serves as the door leading to subterranean District Eagle.
Renovátes notes that when District Eagle is open, security staff will maintain a strict two-line policy, ensuring that those seeking meat to eat will not get entwined with those looking to gain access to District Eagle.
Lucky Pollo unites the need for sustenance with the idea of a bit of fortune, given its motto, “Get Lucky” and the whimsical brand mascot: a leather-booted chicken perched on a horseshoe. Renovátes and his District Eagle business partner had always been interested in opening a restaurant, and the Lucky Pollo space was indeed lucky: It already came with a functional kitchen. Plus, he says, the nearby fast-casual places around 14th and U streets “don’t offer a lot of quality options,” so opening the chicken spot “was a no-brainer.”
The space, designed by NYC creative Jasin Cadic, blends theatrical street-art-style vibes with Keith Haring-inspired wall prints, neon signs, and ceiling-hung chicken figurines —”some edgy, some sweet,” says Renovátes —creating an immersive, playful atmosphere. Lucky Pollo and District Eagle maintain separate amenities for their respective customers.
Lucky Pollo opened last week with a competition to devour a whole rotisserie chicken in the fastest time, with the winner earning $1,000 and a framed spot on the restaurant’s “Wall of Fame.” The opening also featured other games and prizes, and a full crowd spilling out the door.
“We want it to be a great place to eat, but also serve as a playful front for something completely unexpected.” Renovátes says.
On weekends especially, he jokes, the motto will be, ‘Come for the chicken, stay for the cock.’”