Arts & Entertainment
TV showrunners, actors threaten to boycott Georgia over anti-gay adoption bill
Ben Wexler calls for a state boycott
Members of the TV industry are speaking out against Georgia’s proposed anti-gay adoption bill (Photo courtesy of Bigstock)
TV showrunners and actors are threatening to boycott production in Georgia over the state’s proposed anti-gay adoption bill.
The bill, which has been sent to Georgia’s House of Representatives, would allow adoption agencies to refuse to place children with gay and lesbian couples if it goes against their religious beliefs.
Georgia is a hotbed state for the television and film industry with popular shows like “The Walking Dead,” “Stranger Things” and “Dynasty” using it as a filming location. Marvel films such as “Black Panther,” “Ant-Man” and “Avengers: Infinity War” have also filmed in Atlanta.
Now, actors, showrunners and writers are speaking out against the bill. Showrunner Ben Wexler, known for “The Grinder” and “The Comedians,” was the first to suggest a Georgia boycott.
“To my fellow showrunners: if this dumb bill becomes law, let’s be done filming television shows in Georgia,” Wexler tweeted.
To my fellow showrunners: if this dumb bill becomes law, let’s be done filming television shows in Georgia https://t.co/d5Vd5bj8Rp
— Ben Wexler (@mrbenwexler) February 26, 2018
Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black and actor/comedian Billy Eichner showed their support with retweets. Actor Dan Bucatinsky, who has appeared on shows like “Scandal” and is married to screenwriter and director Don Roos, also tweeted he will boycott the state.
“Threatens my family & so many other American families. Let’s please boycott so much production in Georgia — fattening their economy to help fertilize poison like this. Sickens me to think of the time I shot there. And they hate us. #BoycottGeorgia,” Bucatinsky tweeted.
Threatens my family & so many other American families. Let’s please boycott so much production in Georgia — fattening their economy to help fertilize poison like this. Sickens me to think of the time I shot there. And they hate us. #BoycottGeorgia https://t.co/sZKp3HaS3A
— Dan Bucatinsky (@danbucatinsky) February 26, 2018
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)
Laverne Cox, Reneé Rapp, Deacon Maccubbin named WorldPride grand marshals
House passes reconciliation with gender-affirming care funding ban
PHOTOS: D.C. Trans Pride
Men convicted of murdering two men in NYC gay bar drugging scheme sentenced
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
WorldPride events round-up
Pope Leo XIV: Family based on ‘stable union between a man and a woman’
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s bill to criminalize gender affirming care advances
Wes Moore signs HIV decriminalization bill
-
a&e features5 hours agoLooking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
-
World Pride 20253 days agoWorldPride events round-up
-
The Vatican4 days agoPope Leo XIV: Family based on ‘stable union between a man and a woman’
-
Congress2 days agoMarjorie Taylor Greene’s bill to criminalize gender affirming care advances