Connect with us

Arts & Entertainment

‘Empire’ makes history with first gay, black wedding on primetime TV

This is Jussie Smollett’s final episode

Published

on

Toby Onwumere and Jussie Smollett on ‘Empire.’ (Screenshot via YouTube)

“Empire” made history on April 24 by featuring the first wedding between two gay, black men on primetime television.

Jamal (Jussie Smollett) and Kai (Toby Onwumere) said their “I dos” for a groundbreaking scene in the episode titled “Never Doubt I Love.”

The episode was peppered with drama as someone claimed the wedding was called off due to Kai not disclosing his HIV status. Lucious Lyon (Terrance Howard), Jamal’s father, also refused to walk Jamal down the aisle with his mother, Cookie (Taraji P. Hensen). Lucious had struggled with having a gay son throughout the show. However, in the end Lucious decided to support Jamal and walk him down the aisle. Jamal’s close friend Becky (Gabourey Sidibe) officiated the nuptials.

The wedding also included a performance by Chaka Khan.

Onwumere explained the significance of the episode to Extra.

“The influence of Empire still extends out well beyond America and it’s culturally relevant and I really appreciate the show for that. In its fifth year, it’s still going — as evidence to the wedding that’s going on, it’s still culturally relevant, so I think it’s beautiful,” Onwumere says.“I think it’s different than what we’ve seen in past seasons of Empire, which is a breath of fresh air. I really love what Kai and Jamal have. I think it’s beautiful.”

Sidibe praised the episode on Twitter writing, “Tonight, Empire will give life to a monumental love story by marrying 2 black, gay men for the first time in television history. Please join us in celebration until it’s no longer a phenomenon to see 2 people of the same sex and race love each other proudly, on prime time TV.”

Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Jussie’s sister, also wrote about the monumental episode on Instagram.

“Jussie helped make this happen. Representation matters. I am not here to debate you on Jussie’s innocence …because I know he is. But whatever your beliefs are, I implore you to watch this episode. To celebrate the purity of love that we can all identify with regardless of race, religion, gender, age or sexuality,” Smollett-Bell wrote.

View this post on Instagram

Tonight, history will be made on @Empirefox. Its the first time two black men will be married on prime time television. Let that sink in. Jussie helped make this happen. Representation matters. I am not here to debate you on Jussie’s innocence …because I know he is. But whatever your beliefs are, I implore you to watch this episode. To celebrate the purity of love that we can all identify with regardless of race, religion, gender, age or sexuality. We must celebrate the groundbreaking history this show, this character and the creators have made in bringing Jamal to our homes. The noise should be able to stop for 1 hour. We can’t let this moment pass by simply because they don’t want to let this man live. It’s bigger than even him. Tonight. @empirefox #loveislove #istandwithjussie #jamallyon #nojussienoempire #nojamalnoempire #representationmatters #teamjamal #Empire #empireFox #jussiesmollett #tarajiphenson #terrencehoward #istillstandwithjussie #istandwithjussie

A post shared by Jurnee Smollett Bell (@jurneebell) on

This marks Smollett’s final episode of the season following an investigation by the Chicago Police Department that he allegedly staged a hate crime against himself. “Empire” writers wrote Smollett’s character out of the final two episodes. The charges were later dropped but Smollett’s future at “Empire” is still undetermined.

The cast of “Empire” penned a letter urging Smollett to be allowed back for the show’s sixth season.

“Together, as a united front, we stand with Jussie Smollett and ask that our co-star, brother and friend be brought back for our sixth season of Empire,” the letter reads. “It’s clearer every day that the extreme political climate in our country has only made our system of justice and the court of public opinion more unjust. It is why now, more than ever, we must stand together as a family… It’s our hope that together we will move into our sixth season as the entire Empire family should.”

Watch a clip below.

Advertisement
FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM
SIGN UP FOR E-BLAST

Photos

PHOTOS: D.C. Trans Pride

Schuyler Bailar gives keynote address

Published

on

D.C. Trans Pride 2025 was held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on May 17. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Continue Reading

a&e features

Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C

Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement

Published

on

Gay Pride Day 1976 (Washington Blade archive photo)

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.

D.C.’s Different Drummers march in the 2006 Capital Pride Parade. (Washington Blade archive photo by Adam Cuthbert)

The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies. 

Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays. 

The 1995 Lesbian and Gay Freedom Festival was held on Freedom Plaza on June 18. (Washington Blade archive photo by Clint Steib)

The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.

We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.

I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.

The D.C. Black Gay Men & Women’s Community Conference table at Gay Pride Day in 1978. (Washington Blade archive photo by Jim Marks)
A scene from 1985 Gay and Lesbian Pride Day. (Washington Blade archive photo by Doug Hinckle)
A scene from the 1988 Gay and Lesbian Pride Day. (Washington Blade archive photo by Doug Hinckle)
A scene from the Capital Pride Block Party in 2018. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)
Keke Palmer performs at the 2024 Capital Pride Festival. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Continue Reading

Photos

PHOTOS: Equality Prince William Pride

Fourth annual event held in Old Town Manassas

Published

on

Muffy Blake Stephyns performs at 2025 Prince William Equality Pride. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Continue Reading

Popular