Arts & Entertainment
Ricky Martin says Puerto Rico is still mostly without electricity
the actor/singer gave an update on the island’s crisis
(Screenshot via YouTube.)
Ricky Martin gave an update on the crisis in Puerto Rico while promoting the upcoming series “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story,” on “Ellen” on Tuesday.
Martin revealed he has raised almost $5 million in relief efforts for Puerto Rico and spent the holidays with his family in his hometown.
“It’s still about 53 percent of the island is still without electricity, but we’re smiling and we’re happy and we’re alive and we’re very grateful for everything that’s been happening, the love that we received from literally people from all over the world,” Martin says. “We’re doing our best and we just have to stay optimistic.”
The actor/singer shared that restoring power to the island has been a slow process.
“It’s all about the poles. The only company that was building the poles went bankrupt. We need like seven thousand poles, and they can only take like two or three a week. But it’s progress,” Martin says. “There [are] still kids without being able to go to school. There’s not power, there’s no water. But I want to stay optimistic. Things are going to change for the good.”
Martin continued on to say that this season of “American Crime Story” explores the stigma against the LGBT community in regards to crime during that time period.
“We’re still dealing with things that we dealt with in the ’90s,” Martin says. “[Cunanan] went on a killing spree for months … and he was on the list of most wanted of the FBI. He was not hiding, but for some reason they never found him. So it’s like, ‘Wait, he’s killing gay men, let’s look the other way.’ And that’s what we’re trying to confront at this moment.”
Martin, who plays Gianni Versace’s boyfriend Antonio D’Amico, also revealed he bared his assets for the role.
“I show my tush for the first time on television. You guys have to see. It’s really good,” Martin says.
“The Assassination of Gianni Versace” premieres Jan. 17 at 10 p.m. on FX.
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
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)
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