Arts & Entertainment
Michelle Obama snuck out the White House to celebrate marriage equality
The former first lady and daughter Malia hatched an escape route

Michelle Obama and Ellen DeGeneres on ‘Ellen.’ (Screenshot via EllenTube)
Michelle Obama revealed she once snuck out the White House in order to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court legalizing same-sex marriage.
The former first lady recounted the venture in her new memoir “Becoming” but told the story to Ellen DeGeneres on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
“When you’re in the residence, there’s so much bulletproof glass that sometimes you don’t hear what’s going on outside,” Obama says. “And we were having dinner and we know there was a celebration happening but we didn’t realize that thousands of people were gathering in front of the White House at that time to celebrate. And my staff was calling me, everybody was celebrating, people were crying, and I thought, I want to be in that. Also, we had worked to make sure that the White House was lit up in the LGBT colors. It was beautiful.”
She says she tried to recruit President Barack Obama and their daughter Sasha into joining the celebration outside but both weren’t interested. Instead, the Obamas’ eldest daughter Malia decided to join. Obama says that due to high security it took them 15 minutes to get outside but eventually they were able to witness history in front of them.
“We stood along with all the cheering crowd, off to the side, mind you, so no one would see us, with security surrounding us, and we tried to have our tender mother-daughter moment. But we just took it in. I held her tight and my feeling was, we are moving forward. Change is happening,” Obama says.
Watch below.
Photos
PHOTOS: Shenandoah Valley Pride
LGBTQ celebration held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va.
The 2026 Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival was held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va. on Sunday, Sept. 20.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
















Whitman-Walker Health held the 40th annual Walk and 5K to End HIV at Anacostia Park on Saturday, Sept. 19.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)



















Photos
PHOTOS: Wanda Alston Foundation Fall Reception
LGBTQ youth services organization honors Robert White, Japer Bowles, Washington Capitals
The Wanda Alston Foundation held its Fall Reception at the Penthouse Rooftop at The Wharf on Friday, Sept. 18. Honorees included D.C. Councilmember Robert White, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs Japer Bowles, and the Washington Capitals. Rayceen Pendarvis served as the emcee and entertainment was provided by the Thomas Circle Singers.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)





















