Arts & Entertainment

‘The Voice Australia’ contestant proposes to his boyfriend on stage

Nathan Brake surprised the audience and judges by getting down on one knee

Published

7 years ago

May 1, 2018

‘The Voice Australia’ contestant Nathan Brake proposes to his boyfriend Mitchell Baines. (Screenshot via YouTube)

“The Voice Australia” contestant killed two birds with one stone with a big audition and a proposal on the same stage.

Brake performed “Jealous” by Nick Jonas for judges Boy George, Delta Goodrem, Joe Jonas and Kelly Rowland causing all of the judges except Boy George to turn their chair around.

Jonas and Goodrem tried to persuade Brake to join their team with both of them even trying to call Nick to vouch for them. Nick encouraged Brake to pick his brother and Brake announces he’s made a decision for “The Voice” and for his personal life.

“I’ve made a decision,” Brake says. “I’ve also made another decision that’s separate to choosing a coach today.”

Brake brings out his boyfriend Mitchell Baines and explains they have been together for six years.

“You’ve been a constant support for me over these last six years,” Brake says. “So I just wanted to ask you, will you marry me?”

Baines nods yes and the crowd applauds as Rowland rushes on stage to hug the couple.

Australia legalized same-sex marriage in December 2017. Brake’s proposal marks the first same-sex proposal on reality television in Australia.

Brake eventually announced he had chosen to join Goodrem’s team.

Watch below.

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PHOTOS: D.C. Trans Pride

Schuyler Bailar gives keynote address

Published

28 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

Michael Key

D.C. Trans Pride 2025 was held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on May 17. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

a&e features

Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C

Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement

Published

4 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Kevin Naff

Gay Pride Day 1976 (Washington Blade archive photo)

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.

*D.C.’s Different Drummers march in the 2006 Capital Pride Parade. (Washington Blade archive photo by Adam Cuthbert)*

The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.

Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.

*The 1995 Lesbian and Gay Freedom Festival was held on Freedom Plaza on June 18. (Washington Blade archive photo by Clint Steib)*

The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.

We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.

I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.