Arts & Entertainment
Britney Spears ‘broke’ the GLAAD Media Awards
Jim Parsons, Lena Waithe were also recognized
Britney Spears at the 29th annual GLAAD Media Awards (Screenshot via YouTube)
Britney Spears was honored with the Vanguard Award at the 29th annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Thursday but her appearance caused a stir.
Spears, who attended the ceremony with her boyfriend Sam Asghari, was recognized for promoting LGBT acceptance and equality. Jennifer Lopez, Cher, Antonio Banderas and Demi Lovato are among the award’s past recipients.
Ricky Martin presented the award to Spears before she took the stage.
“She could be one of those stars with a huge LGBTQ following who does nothing and says nothing,” Martin said of Spears. “Instead, she uses her platform to remind audiences around the globe that intolerance is unacceptable.”
Spears thanked her family, friends and fans for their support and noted that her role as a mother taught her “what it means to be loved unconditionally.”
“I feel like our society has always put such an emphasis on what’s ‘normal’ and to be different is unusual or seen as strange. But to be accepted unconditionally and to be able to express yourself as an individual through art is such a blessing,” Spears says.
“Being a mother has shown what it means to love unconditional. And you all in this room throughout my career have shown me what it means to be loved unconditionally. It’s such an honor to be here. Thank you so much GLAAD and thank you to the LGBTQ community and all my friends and fans. I love you very much. Thank you,” she added.
People reports that after Spears accepted the award the show briefly fell apart. People were out of their seats, the crew was trying to get a look at Spears backstage and even the teleprompter broke.
“Britney broke the damn show. Everybody lost their minds,” host Wanda Sykes joked. “She broke the damn show.”
Spears revealed on Instagram that she met Gus Kenworthy and Adam Rippon who also attended the star-studded event. Kenworthy, Rippon and Spears fangirled over each other on Twitter during the Winter Olympics.
Oh. My. God. Was really not prepared to wake up to this. Not sure how I’m gonna ski today because I’m LITERALLY dead now but I’m gonna go that extra mile for you, Britney! Ilysm!!! ?❤️ https://t.co/yhoEJq1qRL
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) February 17, 2018
I could feel you on the ice with me @britneyspears. I now have an OVERWHELMING desire to post Instagram fashion shows, google stock imagines of corn, and paint on the balcony of my dorm in the Olympic village. Thank you for not being in denial, LOVE YOU ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/CfeyGNecM3
— Adam Rippon (@Adaripp) February 18, 2018
Other notable moments included Ryan Murphy presenting Jim Parsons with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award and Lena Waithe being honored for writing the “Master of None” episode “Thanksgiving.” The episode, which also earned Waithe an Emmy, focused on Waithe’s character Denise coming out to her family.
The GLAAD Media Awards air on April 18 at 8 p.m. on LOGO.
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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