Arts & Entertainment
Asia O’Hara says she was ‘threatened to be burned alive’ by online trolls
The ‘Drag Race’ star explains her social media absence
Asia O’Hara (Photo courtesy Project Publicity)
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Asia O’Hara revealed she received death threats on social media because of her race in a heartfelt Twitter post.
O’Hara, who is a finalist on season 10, posted an emotional note on Twitter explaining her absence from the social media platform.
She revealed that at 11 years old a group of neighborhood kids attempted to set her on fire for being gay.
“Since that night, I have grown to what I thought was a strong, resilient person,” O’Hara writes. “I left that night and those faces behind me, never telling a soul.”
While she says the horrific incident made her a “strong, resilient person” she encountered an online troll who threatened to burn her alive but this time for her race. It brought her back to the same fearful place she was in as a child.
“This time not because of my flamboyance or vibrance, but because of the color of my skin,” she continued. “That strong and resilient person I had become was instantly reduced back to that 11 year old boy.”
“It is through sharing this story, I’m hoping to regain my strength and joy,” she writes. “I’m on my way back to the person I know I can and should be.”
— Asia O’Hara (@AsiaOharaLand) June 19, 2018
Other “Drag Race” queens offered words of support including her fellow season 10 contestants Aquaria and The Vixen.
“You are one of the fiercest and strongest people I know. I love u so much and will fight anyone that fucks with you,” Aquaria tweeted.
You are one of the fiercest and strongest people I know. I love u so much and will fight anyone that fucks with you ❤
— Aquaria (@aquariaofficial) June 20, 2018
“So, you know i’m not gone rest until you tell me names, Twitter handles, Addresses, Church affiliations and social security numbers of anyone dumb enough to come for my sister! Love You! (i heard they got blow torches on amazon) We gone Stay Ready,” The Vixen tweeted.
So, you know i’m not gone rest until you tell me names, Twitter handles, Addresses, Church affiliations and social security numbers of anyone dumb enough to come for my sister! Love You! (i heard they got blow torches on amazon) We gone Stay Ready!?
— The Vixen (@TheVixensworld) June 20, 2018
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
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
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)
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
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Calendar: May 15-21
United Night Out set for Saturday
