Arts & Entertainment
‘Will & Grace’ showrunner donates gay bunny book to Indiana elementary schools
the showrunner hopes to counter Mike Pence’s anti-gay messages
John Oliver presenting ‘A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo’ (Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)
“Will & Grace” co-creator Max Mutchnik has donated copies of “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo” to every elementary school in Indiana.
The openly gay showrunner tweeted an open letter to the schools explaining why he made the donation.
“I would like to donate this copy of ‘A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo’ to your library,” Mutchnick begins.“After hearing about the book, I brought it home and read it to my twin daughters. It’s a poignant story about how love and community can rise above intolerance.”
“My grammar school library was something I always remembered as a safe haven,” Mutchnick continues. “Books allow children to dream and hope, but you know that already. Thanks to libraries and librarians like you, storytelling not only became my passion — it also became my profession. I hope your students enjoy this book as much as my family and I did.”
Blown away by @iamjohnoliver’s new book, A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo.. https://t.co/08mUQSMUIy pic.twitter.com/ouhg6sVMkU
— Max Mutchnick (@MaxMutchnick) March 30, 2018
In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Mutchnick explained he hopes by donating the books to Indiana schools he can counter Pence’s “message of intolerance.”
“Here’s why: Mike Pence has had an enormous platform in Indiana, and as it relates to gay people, he’s used it to spread a message of intolerance,” Mutchnick says. “By donating these books, I hope to counter those efforts and provide positive role models and a story of inclusion for children in Pence’s home state. If this book can help one boy or girl in Indiana love and accept who they are, I know both Marlon Bundos would be proud — even though one of them is on the down-low.”
“Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo” is a parody of “Marlon Bundo’s Day in the Life of the Vice President,” written by Pence’s daughter Charlotte and illustrated by his wife, Karen.
The parody, written by Jill Twiss and illustrated by EG Keller, follows Pence’s pet bunny Marlon Bundo as he falls in love with another boy bunny. It became the number one best-selling book on Amazon and the number one best-selling audio book on Audible.
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
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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
