Arts & Entertainment
Watch: ‘Boy Erased’ trailer shows toxic practice of gay conversion therapy
The film stars Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman
Lucas Hedges as Jared in ‘Boy Erased’ (Screenshot via YouTube)
“Boy Erased,” a drama based on the novel of the same name, has released its first trailer.
Lucas Hedges stars as Jared, the 19-year old son of a Baptist pastor. After Jared comes out to his parents (Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe), they force him to choose between being ex-communicated from his small town or to go to a “refuge” program.
“Jared, I want you to do well,” Jared’s father says in the clip. “I want you to have a great life. I love you. But we cannot see a way that you can live under this roof if you’re going to fundamentally go against the grain of our beliefs.”
The trailer shows parts of Jared’s experience in the program which includes physical abuse and being told people “cannot be born a homosexual, this is a lie” and “God will not love you the way that you are.”
However, Kidman’s character seems to pick up on how dangerous the program actually is.
“They say sometimes you’ve got to hurt a child in order to help them,” Kidman, who seems to show up unexpectedly at the camp, says. “But a mother knows when something isn’t right.”
Singer Troye Sivan also appears in the film. The trailer features a new song by Sivan and Jónsi called “Revelation.”
“Boy Erased” hits theaters in November.
Watch the trailer below.
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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
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)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
