News
Kyrsten Sinema wins Arizona primary, major first as bisexual candidate


Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) has won her primary in a bid foe a U.S. Senate seat. (Photo by Gage Skidmore; courtesy Flickr)
Arizona Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) achieved a significant victory on Tuesday in the Arizona primary when she became the first openly bisexual person to win a major party nomination to run for a U.S. Senate seat.
The Associated Press declared Sinema, a three-term member of Congress, the winner at 9:21 local time after polls closed in Arizona at 7 pm. Sinema was in a contest against Muslim progressive activist Deedra Abboud for the Democratic nomination to run for the open U.S. Senate seat in Arizona.
With 94 percent of precincts reporting, Sinema won 80.5 percent of the vote compared to the 19.5 percent won by Abboud, according to results from the New York Times.
The primary contest is to run for the seat being vacated by Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who announced he wouldn’t seek another term in the U.S. Senate and remains outspoken with his own party against President Trump. (The other seat representing Arizona in the U.S. Senate after the death of John McCain will be filled by a interim replacement chosen by the Arizona governor and come up for a vote in the general election in 2020.)
As the only openly bisexual member of Congress and co-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus, Sinema has taken the lead on LGBT issues during her time in Congress. Among other things, Sinema was a co-sponsor of the Equality Act, comprehensive legislation that would prohibit anti-LGBT discrimination in all areas of federal civil rights law and legislation against Trump’s attempted ban on transgender service members.
Representing a moderate district in Congress, Sinema has taken votes in line with the Republican caucus that have angered progressive and LGBT activists. Sinema has never voted for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) as speaker, voted to delay implementation of the individual mandate in Obamacare and voted for a measure that would have inhibited Syrian refugees from coming to the United States.
Also revealed in the Arizona primary was the Republican opponent whom Sinema would face in the general election. The winner on the Republican side was Martha McSally, a former Air Force pilot who represents Arizona’s 2nd congressional district in Congress.
Other candidates were Kelli Ward, a former member of the Arizona State Senate, and former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who declared his candidacy after President Trump granting him a pardon for violating the law in his enforcement of immigration law.
McSally won 52.9 percent of the vote in the Republican primary, compared to the 28.2 percent won by Ward and the 18.9 percent won by Arpaio.
Although McSally has served in the U.S. House for only two terms, she has already cast at least one anti-LGBT vote. The Arizona Republican vote in favor of an amendment on the House floor introduced by anti-LGBT Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), which would have the barred from the U.S. military from paying for transition-related care for transgender people, including gender reassignment surgery.
McSally has also opposed interpreting Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972 to require school to allow transgender kids to use the restrooms consistent with their gender identity, saying during a town hall early last year the matter is best handled at the local level.
In 2016, McSally was also one of the 33 Republicans in committee to vote in favor of an amendment to major defense authorization legislation that would have weakened President Obama’s executive order against anti-LGBT workplace discrimination. Although the committee approved the amendment, it was later taken out in conference deliberations.
Annise Parker, CEO of the LGBTQ Victory Fund, said Sinema “shattered a lavender ceiling” in the primary, but the race against McSally will also be significant.
“This race is consequential not just for the Democratic party and for the LGBTQ community, but for all Americans who demand an end to the political divisiveness that Martha McSally embodies,” Parker said. “An LGBTQ Senate candidate taking down an anti-LGBTQ opponent in a red state will be a defining moment in this year’s rainbow political wave – and will further the evolution in how Americans view LGBTQ people and candidates.”
Sinema wasn’t the only LGBT candidate in a primary race on Tuesday night. Other LGBT candidates were in the fray in Arizona and Florida and had different results:
* In Florida’s 18th congressional district, lesbian candidate and former State Department official Lauren Baer won the Democratic nomination over attorney Pam Keith by a 60-40 margin. Baer will face off against incumbent Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) in the general election.
* Also in Florida, Donna Shalala, a former official with the Department of Health & Human Services during the Clinton, narrowly defeated openly gay State Rep. David Richardson for the Democratic nomination to run in Florida’s 27th congressional district. Shalala will run against Maria Elvira Salazar in race to succeed retiring Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) in Congress.
* In Arizona, gay candidate and former Arizona State Rep. Matt Heinz came up short in a bid to claim the Democratic nomination to run in Arizona’s second congressional district against former U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick.
World Pride 2025
Tourists, locals express concerns about WorldPride security
Officials say no credible threats have been reported

With WorldPride upon us, Washington, D.C. is preparing to welcome an estimated 2 million people who will flock to the District to celebrate queer love, identity and resistance, with another 1 million regional LGBTQ community members expected to attend.
With so many people visiting from across the ocean (as well as across the Potomac) amid a less-than-supportive presidential administration, the issue of safety has become a major concern for those attending and hosting events.
Various social media platforms — including Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Reddit — have become spaces for residents and tourists alike to air their concerns about safety and security. Many have cited the Trump-Vance administration by name as the source of their fear.
“As much as I appreciate PRIDE — can’t help but think @realdonaldtrump is going to step in at the last minute and y’all are going to have to scramble for backup plans…” one person commented under a WorldPride Instagram post listing some of the events planned for Pride.
“Trump better leave this alone and let us do our thing,” said another user under the same post.
Beyond general unease, others pointed to concrete concerns, citing the Trump administration’s policies and past behavior as reasons for alarm. From detaining outspoken critics to restricting international travel, the fear of interference feels rooted in precedent.
“Just worrying a bit for anyone traveling to the USA right now, in particular if they are not a citizen,” another person commented on a Capital Pride Instagram post. “Especially if they have stuff on their phone etc. that shows that they’re not 100% in love with Trump’s policies. Don’t get me wrong, it’s more important than ever to protest and celebrate in D.C. for the right to be different. Just wondering how we can make it as safe as possible??”
“So the reality of the situation is that 1) the threat profile has increased 2) federal and local resources dedicated to security have massively shrunk 3) the federal government is overtly hostile to the protection of queer people,” said user Xcelsiorhs on Reddit. “There are compelling reasons not to host WorldPride in a country which is unconcerned with gay rights. The security nexus is just one complication and trans/queer immigration concerns are also towards the top of the list.”
“I am extremely worried about the security of the event. I really hope outside security is brought in to make it safe,” said another Reddit user. “Especially the festival and parade that are open to anyone.”
Last week Capital Pride, the local organization in charge of Washington’s Pride celebrations, hosted a webinar dedicated to community fears regarding health and safety. More than 150 people attended the virtual event to hear what the organization’s leaders had to say.
Organizers say they are prepared to address any challenges that arise.
“Tens of thousands of hours have been dedicated to this event,” said Sadhand Miraminy, the director of operations for Capital Pride and host of the safety webinar, ensuring safety is a top priority of the event organizers. “You all are in good hands.”
“It does take a city,” said Linda Lindamood, the director for health and safety for WorldPride, who highlighted various changes from Pride events in years past. “This is the city where people come to have their voices heard… We have worked diligently to address those ‘what ifs…’”
“There is a backup plan for everything,” Miraminy said, following participant questions about some of those “what ifs.”
Trevor Knight, the partner engagement program manager for D.C. Homeland Security, assured attendees that, so far, nothing indicates the event is a target.
“We do not have any credible threats to WorldPride,” Knight said, but he did note changes in some Pride protocols in the nation’s capital.
One of the biggest changes will be an established perimeter around the street festival on Pennsylvania Avenue. This year, it will be entirely fenced in with only nine entrance points — all of which will have metal detectors, bag checks, and nearby law enforcement.
Some social media users criticized the move, citing the history of Pride as justification. Others, like Reddit user ATLinDC, welcomed the change if it means a safer celebration.
“People uncomfortable with law enforcement having a visible presence in and around bars need to get over it. Our spaces need protecting should something go wrong. We do not need another Pulse,” they commented. “I welcome daddy cops on every corner!”
Despite some fears, the general feeling after the meeting — and among some online — was that they felt listened to and saw the organizations doing everything in their power to keep LGBTQ people safe.
“I have confidence that local bar owners and organizers are going to put their best foot forward on security,” said Reddit user Xcelsiorhs. “And the reality of the situation is it will not be enough and the scale of the problem far exceeds their capacity to respond to it. And it is not plausible the resourcing gap will be bridged.”
“The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is working closely with our local, state, and federal partners as we prepare for WorldPride 2025. As with any other events in the District, it is our priority to ensure the safety and security of District residents and visitors. Further details about securing these events, road closures, and additional impacts will be released as we get closer to these events,” said Lee Lepe, public information officer for MPD.
“While there are no known threats to WorldPride 2025, we always encourage the public to remain vigilant. If you see something, say something. Please report threats and emergencies to 911. Keep your community safe by reporting suspicious activity by calling 202-727-9099, texting 50411, or visiting iwatchdc.org.”
D.C. police officials were noncommittal when asked if outside police forces from Virginia and Maryland would assist with security.
“I can confirm we are looking into that,” Tom Lynch, supervisory public affairs specialist for MPD, told the Blade in an email. “We will have more to share on this once it’s confirmed.”
Despite the concerns, Ryan Bos, executive director of Capital Pride, emphasized that those trying to keep LGBTQ people from celebrating Pride are the very reason the event must go on.
“We must remain visible,” said Bos. “We must continue to fight and show up.”
World
New stock exchange initiative promotes LGBTQ inclusion in private sector
‘Ringing the Bell for LGBTIQ+ Equality’ campaign kicked off in Toronto on Tuesday

More than a dozen stock exchanges around the world are participating in an initiative that seeks to promote LGBTQ inclusion in the private sector.
The first “Ringing the Bell for LGBTIQ+ Equality” ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Toronto Stock Exchange when members of the LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors Canada Association rang the closing bell.
(Video courtesy of the TMX Group)
Two “Ringing the Bell for LGBTIQ+ Equality” ceremonies took place on Wednesday at the London Stock Exchange and the Australia Stock Exchange. Similar events are scheduled to occur in Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Chicago, Mexico City, the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, the Namibian capital of Windhoek, and other cities throughout the month.
Koppa: The LGBTI+ Economic Power Lab and various U.N. agencies are behind the campaign that coincides with the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
IDAHOBiT commemorates the World Health Organization’s declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder on May 17, 1990.
“This is more than just a symbolic gesture – it’s a global call to action to focus on LGBTIQ+ economic equality inclusion,” said Fabrice Houdart, co-founder of Koppa, in a press release that announced the “Ringing the Bell for LGBTIQ+ Equality” campaign. “Economic inclusion remains among the unfinished business of the LGBTIQ+ equality movement of the LGBTIQ+ equality movement around the world, including in the U.S. We are ringing the bell to remind the world: Our journey is far from over.”
“With an increasing number of governments trying to force businesses around the world to retreat on their support for basic equality, companies must step in and defend their right to do business as they see fit, including their support for equality for all,” he added.
District of Columbia
Rainbow History Project WorldPride exhibition to open May 18
‘Pickets, Protests and Parades’ to be on display at Freedom Plaza

D.C.’s Rainbow History Project is scheduled to open its WorldPride 2025 exhibition called “Pickets, Protests, and Parades: The History of Gay Pride in Washington” on Sunday, May 18, in Freedom Plaza.
Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. between 13th and 14th streets less than three blocks from the White House, the exhibition will be open to the public free of charge for 24 hours through July 6.
The exhibition “will chronicle the local LGBTQ+ Pride movement and how the pickets and protests of the 1960s led to the vibrant celebrations of the 2020s,” a statement released by Rainbow History Project says.
The statement notes that the exhibition’s displays will include photos and information about a 1965 protest in front of the White House by 10 gay men and lesbians carrying picket signs in what is believed to be one of the city’s and possibly the nation’s first public demonstrations in support of the then homosexual community.
“The exhibition disrupts the popularly held belief that the LGBTQ+ rights movement began with the Stonewall Riots in 1969 in New York,” the statement points out. It says the 1965 gay protest outside the White House, which took place four years before Stonewall, represents “the start of D.C.’s rich queer history.”
“Covering 1965 to the present, the exhibition explores the history of Pride in D.C. in 10 distinct thematic eras,” according to the statement. “Large hero images around the perimeter will draw people into the exhibit to explore a timeline wall with historic quotes from Pride’s organizers. Each of the 10 eras are detailed in thematic cubes rich with history and visuals.”
The statement says Rainbow History Project is seeking community members to serve as Exhibit Monitors to assist in operating the display in four shifts each day and night to be compensated from between $80 and $100 per shift depending on the time of the shift.
Information about applying to become an exhibit monitor can be accessed at Rainbow History’s website.
-
Rehoboth Beach1 day ago
Del. Gov. Meyer to join Washington Blade party in Rehoboth on Friday
-
Music & Concerts4 days ago
Underdog glorious: a personal remembrance of Jill Sobule
-
Real Estate3 days ago
Impact of federal gov’t RIF on D.C.’s rental market
-
Opinions4 days ago
My chance encounter with a pope and why goodness still matters