Arts & Entertainment
New ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ trailer touches on Freddie Mercury’s sexuality
The first teaser had been criticized for straight-washing the Queen frontman


Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (Screenshot via YouTube)
“Bohemian Rhapsody” has released a new trailer that features more of Freddie Mercury’s sexuality and AIDS diagnosis.
The clips show Mercury (Rami Malek) first meeting his girlfriend Mary Austin (Lucy Boynton) who tells him “I love the way you move onstage, the whole room belongs to you. Don’t you see what you could be?”
Later, a reporter asks Mercury about his “private life” and there’s a quick scene of Mercury sharing an intimate moment with another man in the studio.
“What more do you need to know? I make music,” Mercury says.
There’s also a brief reference to Mercury’s AIDS diagnosis when manager Jim Beach (Tom Hollander) says “I just need a bit of time.”
“What if I don’t have time?” Mercury replies.
The first trailer had been criticized, including by showrunner Bryan Fuller, for straight-washing Mercury by only showing scenes of his relationship with Austin.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” debuts in theaters on Nov. 2.
Watch below.

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

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.

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 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.






The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)




















