Arts & Entertainment
MTV India dating show airs episode with gay contestants
10 suitors attempt to woo a bachelor with an elevator pitch
(Screenshot via Twitter)
India decriminalized homosexuality in September and already is including LGBT representation in its media. “Elovator Pitch,” a dating series on MTV India, aired its first episode on Friday featuring same-sex contestants.
The show’s premise involves 10 people giving an elevator pitch, the time it takes for the elevator to go to the next floor, to the contestant on why they should be picked to date. On Friday, the series featured 10 men attempting to woo bachelor Atmaj Vyas.
Speaking to NBCNews, Vyas described what the experience was like.
“You’re supposed to find someone and remember the floors and the people all in a really short time,” Vyas says. “It’s speed dating, so it goes by really quickly.”
“There were guys who were making style statements, talking about life and even one who was actually coming out to his family via the show,” he continued. “It really doesn’t get better than that.”
Host Cyrus Sahukar explained the importance of an LGBT episode to the Indian Express saying, “On ‘Elovator Pitch,’ it only makes sense to have an episode with people from the LGBTQ Community. At the end of the day, it deals with people meeting others, dating and love. Eventually, love and dating are pretty similar for everyone. Everybody is looking for someone they like and can enjoy with.”
Co-host Gaelyn Mendonca agreed.
“With this special concept, we have upped the ante as India’s first dating reality show to have people from all walks of life coming and exploring beautiful bonds. ‘Elovator Pitch’ brings with it a heavy dose of comedy and love and I’m sure this episode will be a treat to watch for the audience. I’m proud to be a part of the show that is creating history on national television,” she said.
Watch clips below.
This week’s episode of #ElovatorPitch is super special.
This time, we have 10 boys trying to impress 1 boy in an elevator. Their pitches to #AtmajVyas are so sweet, you’ll be smiling throughout. :)Get ready for some #CutenessOverload, with @ga3lyn & @cyrus_sahu, this Fri @ 7 PM pic.twitter.com/ruQPyNRIsc
— MTV India (@MTVIndia) November 12, 2018
READY FOR SOME FUN? ;)
Tomorrow’s episode of #ElovatorPitch is all you need for your #Friyay entertainment.Make sure you tune in to MTV tomorrow at 7 PM!@ga3lyn @cyrus_sahukar pic.twitter.com/xhKKnrd3vn
— MTV India (@MTVIndia) November 15, 2018
a&e features
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
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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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