Arts & Entertainment
Marvel introduces mutant drag queen Shade
The mutant is a part of the X-Men
For the first time in the history of Marvel, there is a drag queen superhero.
Shade, a mutant who is part of the X-Men, was introduced in the fourth installment of Marvel’s “Iceman” comic. She has the power of teleportation and can create “pocket voids” through her handheld fan. Shade makes her first appearance at the Mutant Pride Parade.
“‘Ello Manhattan! It’s your emcee, Shade,” she says.
“And I got none to throw at Dazzler’s set!” Shade says about another mutant’s performance
There's a Drag Queen mutant now and I am here for it. Iceman #4@SinaGrace pic.twitter.com/S6vZ9Hhpeu
— Best of Marvel/DC (@BestOfComiics) December 20, 2018
Shade was the brain child of out writer Sina Grace and artist Nathan Stockman.
“I really wanted this series to push readers to new and better stories about the whole queer experience and how it applies to
Grace also told NewNowNext that his inspiration for Shade came from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestants Shea Couleé, Monét X Change, The Vixen
Shade returns in the fifth issue of “Iceman” (available now) and in “X-Men: Winter’s End,” which will be released in February.
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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
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
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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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
