Arts & Entertainment
YouTuber Logan Paul defends ‘going gay’ comments
The YouTuber says he doesn’t think being gay is a choice
YouTuber Logan Paul recently was criticized for saying he and his
“It’s male-only March. We’re going to attempt to go gay for just one month,” Paul explained.
After people slammed Paul for insinuating that being gay is a choice, Paul backtracked on his “poor choice of words” and apologized.
Paul invited Outserve founder Josh Seefried on his podcast to discuss the issues with his comment. Seefried publicly called out Paul for his statement on Twitter.
Obviously to @LoganPaul being gay is some sort of punchline to a joke. Make sure to tell that to youth that kill themselves because they struggle with being gay. Shame on him once again. https://t.co/7HE1t6AxC9
— Josh Seefried (@JoshSeefried) January 11, 2019
“Did my comment offend you personally?” Paul asks.
Seefried says ‘absolutely” and explains that Paul has a lot of influence over his young fans.
“You are a person that sets the tone of what is acceptable to make a joke of, and so when youth watch you and say ‘hey, Logan Paul made this joke’ that’s what kind of legitimizes bullying in school,” Seefried told Paul.
Paul asks, “So if I want to hook up with dudes for a month in March, I can’t do that?”
Seefried replies there’s a difference between seriously exploring your sexuality and making a joke.
“Are you making that as a joke, or are you being legitimate? If you genuinely want to experiment with men, that’s a different thing than saying, ’Hey, I’m gonna go gay for a month,’ making a joke,” Seefried says.
Paul also explained that he never meant to insinuate being gay is a choice.
“Going gay is not a choice. That is not what I implied by saying that. That is the narrative that the media decided to run with. I’ve never thought that. I think who you are attracted to is innate to who you are, that it’s genetic and that’s that. I’ve thought that my whole life,” Paul says.
Paul continued that he is a “pro gay dude” who he feels has “a magnifying glass on me now” because of past controversies. In 2018, Paul made headlines for filming a suicide victim in Japan.
Seefried ended the podcast imploring Paul to do “better.”
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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
