Arts & Entertainment
MOST ELIGIBLE SINGLES: Chakriya Srey
Meet D.C.’s top 20 LGBT bachelors and bachelorettes
Chakriya Srey (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Name: Chakriya Srey
Age: 25
Occupation: I am a program advisor on vulnerable women and children in conflict zones.
Identify as: queer
What are you looking for in a mate? Someone who is thoughtful and compassionate with purpose and drive, while challenging and inspiring me to grow. Quick wit, a sense of humor, a lust for life and a penchant for adventure don’t hurt either.
Biggest turn-off: Complacency, a lack of introspection, immaturity and bad hygiene.
Biggest turn-on: Passion, subtle confidence, beautiful eyes and a strong sense of self. Bonus points for being able to match me drink for drink.
Hobbies: Romping around the great outdoors, building the perfect vinyl collection, checking out art exhibits and a bit of boxing here and there.
Describe your ideal first date: My ideal first date would include trying something new (curling anyone?), getting to know each other over a glass of prosecco and, because life is all about balance, ending the night at Nellie’s with a Red Bull/vodka in hand.
Pets, kids or neither? Shout out to my rescue wolf pup, Niko. Adopt, don’t shop y’all.
Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? If we share the same values, want similar things out of life and have a genuine connection, why not?
Celebrity crush: Cate Blanchett (not sorry).
One obscure fact about yourself: I once traveled over six hours from Istanbul to remote thermal springs and a cave in Turkey using only a map drawn on a napkin by a random local in a restaurant.
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
