Arts & Entertainment
Ginuwine receives backlash for refusing to kiss trans ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ co-star
the D.C. singer’s opinion has divided the internet

(Ginuwine and India Willoughby on ‘Celebrity Big Brother UK.’ Screenshot via YouTube.)
Ginuwine has sparked controversy after he refused to kiss his fellow “Celebrity Big Brother UK” co-star India Willoughby.
The interaction began when Willoughby, who is a transgender broadcaster in the U.K., asked Ginuwine, a D.C. native, if he would date a transgender woman.
“I’m a woman, right,” Willoughby says. “Forget about any ‘t’s, or anything in front of it. So, on that score, you would date me, wouldn’t you?”
“Not if you told me you was trans,” Ginuwine replies.
“No, no, I’m not telling you I’m trans,” Willoughby says. “I’m a woman.”
“A woman? Yeah,” Ginuwine says.
Willoughby reaches in to kiss the singer who quickly pulls away.
The clip has divided social media as some people felt Ginuwine was being transphobic and close-minded.
Ginuwine discriminates against trans women, as do most cis men.
That was India’s point. #cbb— ?Pineapple Jimmy (@TonyTheNarwhal) January 7, 2018
Irrespective of how nasty India is, (& she hates other trans ppl too), does Ginuwine know how much he’s insulted ALL trans women by saying he’d never date a trans woman. Also presumptuous & arrogant of him to assume we’d all be lining up to go out with him.
— Katie (@Katie97531200) January 7, 2018
The shit between India and Ginuwine IS transphobia & im tired of them saying that it isn’t. If you say you won’t date someone because they’re trans but you would date them if you didn’t know, IT IS TRANSPHOBIA.
— Kiera (@ForeverRawrrr)
Meanwhile, other people thought he has a right to his opinion and Willoughby was harassing the singer. Malika Haqq, who is also on “Celebrity Big Brother UK,” defended Ginuwine saying there’s nothing wrong with him choosing who he wants to date.
I completely agree with Malika, Ginuwine has the choice/right to date or not date whoever he wants, just as I'm sure he probably wouldn't date Ann, would she storm off and be mad , no .. I feel that India is taking things as a personal attack .. and they aren't ..
— Susan Nathan-Meloy (@SusanMeloy) January 7, 2018
That's ridiculous. He's entitled to his own sexual preferences and that doesn't include transwomen but plenty more fish in the sea for India
— James Anderson (@JamesLeslie123) January 8, 2018
India asked Ginuwine if he’d date a trans woman and he simply said No – just like when India was asked if she’d date a woman and she said No
— Lee (@sunlessreign481) January 8, 2018
Ginuwine saying he wouldn’t date a trans woman is a preference not discrimination… plus he barely knows the woman, if you out here kissing random people then you got a problem
— Ashley (@ItsAshley____) January 8, 2018
Team DC will host its annual holiday party on Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at Trade. This event will celebrate Team DC’s sports community, athletes, and Team DC’s accomplishments this past year. Food will be catered by Seasons, and there will be a clothing drive to benefit the DC Center for the LGBT Community.
To RSVP, visit Team DC’s Instagram page.
Music & Concerts
Washington chorale kicks off Christmas with vibrant program
‘Thine Own Sweet Light’ concerts planned
The full Washington Master Chorale will return for its annual holiday concert tradition with “Thine Own Sweet Light” on Friday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 21 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church (D.C.) and Church of the Epiphany (D.C.).
The concert will feature the rich sounds of the 50-voice, a cappella chorus performing lush, seasonal choral music inspired by the theme of light. Highlights include Edvard Grieg’s “Ave Maris Stella,” Eric Whitacre’s “Lux Aurumque,” and Christopher Hoh’s “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts.” The program will also present a new work by Barcelona composer Josep Ollé i Sabaté, along with charming holiday folk songs and seasonal favorites.
For more details, visit the Washington Master Chorale website.
Friday, December 5
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. To RSVP, visit the DC Center’s website or email [email protected].
The DC Anti-Violence Project at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host its second annual open mic event, “Queer Voices: Unwavering” at 7 p.m. This event aims to create a space that allows the LGBTQ community to honor queer siblings of all communities, mourn those lost, and celebrate the power and love in our community. If you are interested in attending or performing, visit this link.
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, December 6
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 12 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Fueling Our Future” at 7 p.m. This will be a night of purpose, community, and impact and an evening filled with good food, great music, and even better company. Guests will get to enjoy a delicious menu from Right Proper Brewing Company, sip your favorite drinks at the open bar, and enjoy live performances by the amazing Preston Hawes, Tetyana Royzman, Dan Zhang, and Susanna Mendlow. Tickets cost $110 and are available on the DC Center’s website. Funds raised will support the DC Center’s Social and Human Services.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Monday, December 8
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
“Soulfully Queer: LGBTQ+ Emotional Health and Spirituality Drop-In” will be at 3 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This group will meet weekly for eight weeks, providing a series of drop-in sessions designed to offer a safe, welcoming space for open and respectful conversation. Each session invites participants to explore themes of spirituality, identity, and belonging at their own pace, whether they attend regularly or drop in occasionally. For more details visit the DC Center’s website.
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, December 9
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, December 10
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
“Movement for Healing with Felicia Taliaferro” will be at 3 p.m. This is a space for nervous system nourishment and embodied restoration. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Thursday, December 11
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
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