Arts & Entertainment
‘Game of Thrones’ blood drive criticized for discriminating against gay men
Participants can win a trip to the final season premiere
“Game of Thrones” and American Red Cross have teamed up for a national blood drive which includes special “Game of Thrones” prizes but some gay men are feeling left out because of the Food and Drug Administration guidelines.
The show’s “Bleed for the Throne” campaign gives fans a chance to donate blood in an “immersive experience” at SXSW in Austin, Texas, from March 7-9. Fans who can’t make it to SXSW can donate blood at specialty drives in 43 states until March 17.
Participants will receive a blood-splattered Iron Throne T-shirt and will be entered to win a chance to attend the show’s final season premiere on April 14 in New York City.
Donate blood for the good of the realm.#GameofThrones is teaming up with @RedCross to join the fight for the living. Visit https://t.co/5MbSh6Gdlt for more info. https://t.co/RneQng9dQf
— Game of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) February 19, 2019
However, federal blood-donation guidelines will prevent some gay men from participating in “Bleed for the Throne.” According to the Food and Drug Administration, men must abstain from sex with other men for 12 months before they are allowed to donate blood.
Joe Stanieich-Burke, 29, told the Daily Beast that this exclusion is “going widely unnoticed.”
“It bothers me that my perfect, healthy gay blood isn’t a viable option unless I abstain from sex for 12 months, and that’s not gonna happen,” Stanieich-Burke said. “I consider this a right for gay men that
One Twitter user tweeted: “While cool for GoT fans, a reminder that this whole initiative and contest discriminates against gay and bi men, who are still banned from donating blood for bigoted, discriminatory reasons.”
Another user tweeted: “Bold of Apple to give my gay ass an ad for blood donation.”
According to the Daily Beast, fans who aren’t eligible to donate blood can still participate in the contest by contacting the Red Cross Donor Supply Center. However, the Daily Beast notes that was not clearly stated in its public promotion of the contest.
A HBO spokesperson released a statement saying that there are other ways for fans who cannot donate blood to participate in sweepstakes and interact with the campaign.
“The ‘Bleed for the Throne’ campaign is and has always been open to everyone. Knowing that FDA regulations may prohibit blood donation by some, we have created multiple ways for fans to interact with the campaign, including entry to the activation at SXSW and the season 8 premiere sweepstakes. While the SXSW activation filled up quickly, a standby line will be available while the activation is open. Those unable to donate blood in national blood drives can still enter the sweepstakes by contacting the Red Cross Donor Support Center with a request to be entered, along with their name, mailing address and a valid email. Inclusivity is a key HBO value, and we have long been supporters of the LGBTQ+ community,” reads the statement.
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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
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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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