Arts & Entertainment
Actor Lee Pace reluctantly comes out
‘The Hobbit’ star found the question about his sexuality ‘intrusive’
Lee Pace (Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)
Actor Lee Pace, whose acting credits include “The Hobbit” and “Pushing Daisies,” has revealed he has dated men and women but wasn’t keen to discuss his sexuality.
Pace spoke with Brian Moylan (former Washington Blade arts editor) for W Magazine in promotion for his role as Joe Pitt, a closeted gay Mormon man, in the Broadway revival of “Angels in America.”
“Our understanding of what it means to be gay is just so different … It’s just so much further down the road. It’s an interesting thing for me to think about in this moment while working on this play,” Pace begins.
When asked about his sexuality, the interviewer notes Pace seems “surprised by the question.” While he shares his dating history he stops short of labeling himself.
“I’ve dated men. I’ve dated women. I don’t know why anyone would care. I’m an actor and I play roles,” Pace says. “To be honest, I don’t know what to say ― I find your question intrusive.”
Ian McKellen, Pace’s “The Hobbit” co-star, seemed to out Pace in a 2014 interview with German magazine Brash.de when he lists Pace as an “openly gay actor” in the film.
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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
