Arts & Entertainment
Australia’s ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ accused of queerbaiting viewers
the series promo showed a same-sex kiss that never happened
‘Bachelor in Paradise” (Screenshot via YouTube)
Australia’s “Bachelor in Paradise” has been accused of queerbaiting in a recent promo for the show.
In the promo, Megan Marx, who is bisexual, says she finds fellow contestant Elora Murger “absolutely gorgeous.” The next clip appears to show Marx and Murger, who has long brown hair, kissing in the ocean. However, in the actual episode, Marx is kissing contestant Thomas Perras, who also has long brown hair.
Here’s the part of the promo where Channel 10 deliberately cut together Megan talking about Elora with her kiss w/ a long-haired brunette, to make it seem like they were going to deliver a same sex couple. Turns out it was Thomas. Queerbaiting at its finest. #BachelorInParadise pic.twitter.com/ywKqzC0YUb
— Jenna Guillaume (@JennaGuillaume) April 17, 2018
Viewers were outraged that the series promoted a same-sex hookup that never occurred.
so the ‘bisexual’ relationship on #BachelorInParadiseAU presented in the promos is actually just a megan and a guy with long hair. bisexuals such as myself love queer baiting!!! we love it so much it makes us feel so validated !!!!!
— evie (@yeevz_) April 16, 2018
OMG MEGAN IS KISSING A WOMAN!
…A BEARDED WOMAN!?
Oh no wait, that’s right Channel 10 just queer-baited us for 2 months.
Soz. #BachelorInParadiseAU pic.twitter.com/aHzmDV2NwB
— Mark (@markp_) April 17, 2018
Look, @BachParadiseAU is not that important but it’s humiliating to get excited and then tricked, and feels shit to know it was done so shamelessly and deliberately to promote the show.
It leaves LGBTI people feeling excluded and like the butt of the joke again. #queerbaiting https://t.co/f5ACVSwEmx
— Sally Rugg ?️? (@sallyrugg) April 18, 2018
Lol way to set up the sneak peak ads to look like Megan kissed Elora.. @channelten that’s pretty shitty to advertise queerbaiting it would have been nicer if there was actually some same sex couples #BachelorInParadiseAU
— Krystal Birch (@birchyyk) April 17, 2018
Poorly played, #BachelorInParadiseAU. And Megan has been such an articulate asset to the Bachie franchise, speaking openly and with confidence about her sexuality … No doubt opening a lot of minds.
This does a disservice to her truth too. https://t.co/CINWFdp70A— Danielle Binks (@danielle_binks) April 17, 2018
Marx has been open about her sexuality since appearing on the fourth season of Australia’s “The Bachelor.” After leaving the show she and fellow contestant Tiffany Scanlan briefly dated.
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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
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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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