Arts & Entertainment
Kehlani explains her sexuality: ‘I’m queer not bi, not straight’
the singer says she is least attracted to straight men
Kehlani (Photo courtesy of Tore Sætre / Wikimedia Commons)
Kehlani broke down her sexuality, all the way down to who she is least attracted to, in a series of tweets on Sunday.
“cuz i keep geddin asked.. i’m queer,” Kehlani wrote in a now-deleted tweet. “Not bi, not straight. I’m attracted to women, men, REALLY attracted to queer men, non binary people, intersex people, trans people. lil poly pansexual papi hello good morning. does that answer your questions?”
“And since we on that… i’m the LEAST attracted to straight men, y’all really adorable sometimes tho. bisexual men really are little gifts from god tho,” she added.
The 22-year-old singer deleted the last tweet about her being the least sexually attracted to straight men after it appeared some straight male fans weren’t pleased.
“Let’s play the ‘guess who’s the only people tweakin and offended about my tweets HINT: it rhymes with ‘braight ben,'” Kehlani tweeted.
Kehlani also explained that she chooses to identify as queer instead of gay because she didn’t like the label saying who she is attracted to.
“I felt gay always insisted there was still a line drawn as to which ‘label’ of human i was attracted when i really jus be walking around thinking ERRYBODY FINE,” she tweeted.
i felt gay always insisted there was still a line drawn as to which “label” of human i was attracted when i really jus be walking around thinking ERRYBODY FINE https://t.co/2zXOUY7fDf
— Kehlani (@Kehlani) April 22, 2018
After a fan pointed out that queer is still considered a slur by some members of the LGBT community, Kehlani said she chooses to reclaim the word but apologized for offending anyone.
“Damn i didn’t know that!! if there’s anyone out there i’ve ever offended with the word, i’m sorry! i’m with the reclaiming of the word but if there’s any1 day loves me dat isn’t, i sorry i lurvvv u,” she tweeted.
damn i didn’t know that!! if there’s anyone out there i’ve ever offended with the word, i’m sorry! i’m with the reclaiming of the word but if there’s any1 day loves me dat isn’t, i sorry i lurvvv u ??? https://t.co/LHg33UPtb6
— Kehlani (@Kehlani) April 22, 2018
Kehlani has incorporated her sexuality into her music including her recent single “Honey,” which is a love song to another woman.
Kehlani and Demi Lovato caused fan speculation that they were dating after the pair locked lips on stage during the last tour stop of Lovato’s Tell Me You Love Me Tour.
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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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