Arts & Entertainment
Travis Scott criticized for removing trans model Amanda Lepore from album cover
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ winner Aquaria called the edit transphobic

Travis Scott (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
Travis Scott is facing criticism over the removal of transgender model Amanda Lepore from his forthcoming “Astroworld” album cover.
The album art, shot by celebrity photographer David LaChapelle, shows half-naked models posed at an amusement park with a statue of Scott’s head as the centerpiece.
Scott unveiled the cover on Instagram but Lepore is notably missing. Lepore posted the version with her in it captioned “It was great being part of @david_lachapelle s incredible photograph of @travisscott s album cover but I’m curious why I’m not on the picture @travisscott posted.”
When fans asked LaChappelle on Instagram why LePore was cut he replied “she just upstaged every one lol.”
Lepore seemed to accept that response and edited her original caption of the album cover to add “A girl can’t help it! Too distracting for the eyes! Upstaged everyone in the photograph!”
Some people weren’t so forgiving including “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 10 winner Aquaria.
“Hi transphobia! I just saw transphobia gurl!” Aquaria tweeted.
Hi transphobia! I just saw transphobia gurl!
— Aquaria (@aquariaofficial) August 1, 2018
She added, “Also fun fact: u can tell exactly the mindset and beliefs of (presumably) travis and (specifically) his fans by the repulsive remarks they share about a very valid complaint about the artwork regardless of who’s complaining. Grab a towel. Your phobias are showing.”
Also fun fact: u can tell exactly the mindset and beliefs of (presumably) travis and (specifically) his fans by the repulsive remarks they share about a very valid complaint about the artwork regardless of who’s complaining. Grab a towel. Your phobias are showing.
— Aquaria (@aquariaofficial) August 1, 2018
Scott is dating Kylie Jenner, transgender celebrity Caitlyn Jenner’s daughter. The couple has one child together. Scott has not publicly commented on the controversy.
The annual CAMP Rehoboth fundraiser, SUNFESTIVAL, was held over Labor Day weekend in Rehoboth Beach, Del. The festival included a massive dance party at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center on Sunday.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)



































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Blade Foundation to host fundraiser in Rehoboth on Sept. 12
Mayor-elect Stewart, state Rep. Snyder-Hall to give remarks
The Washington Blade Foundation will host a fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 12 in Rehoboth Beach featuring remarks from Rehoboth’s Mayor-elect Susan Stewart and Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall.
The Foundation funds fellowships for aspiring queer journalists and enterprise journalism projects.
The event will be held at a private home in Rehoboth. Tickets are $100 and include open bar from Diego’s, catered appetizers from the Blue Moon, entertainment, guest speakers, and an auction. Tickets are available here.
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