Arts & Entertainment
Md. contestant Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon eliminated from ‘American Idol’
The judges chose not to save the out pastor’s son

Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon was eliminated from “American Idol” on Sunday marking the end of his journey on the reality singing competition.
The out contestant from Catonsville, Md. performed renditions of Barbra Streisand’s “Somewhere” and Joan Baez’s “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Ritchie praised his performances but ultimately he didn’t receive enough votes from America landing him in the bottom two along with fellow contestant Laci Kaye Booth.
However, the judges could choose to use their one “save” of the season on Harmon or Booth. After debate, the judges decided to save Booth and she advanced to the top five.
The decision confused some fans who thought Harmon was the better singer. According to a poll by Golden Derby, 82 percent of polled viewers believed Harmon should have been saved.
Other fans took to social media to slam “American Idol” for making the wrong choice.
Jeremiah is easily one of the best contestants there has ever been. This is not okay. #AmericanIdol
— Haley DeValliere (@HaleyRD) May 6, 2019
Confirmed my thoughts: worst AI judges ever. Refuse to provide criticism to contestants when needed. Now they send Jeremiah home. #AmericanIdol
— Tami Cannizzaro (@ItsJustTami) May 6, 2019
Why is Wade still here? Why is Jeremiah gone? Why do I watch this show? #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/7BKjnf5cns
— ✭K. Nykol✭ (@knykol) May 6, 2019
what the fuck is going on here???? how the fuck is the best singer Jeremiah getting kicked off. what a piece of shit show #AmericanIdol
— J.BB (@JBaddBlaster1) May 6, 2019
Harmon appeared to address the elimination on Twitter writing, “Your value is never up for a vote. #Mantra.”
Your value is never up for a vote. #Mantra
— Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon (@jlloydharmon) May 6, 2019
Harmon’s singing ability won him many fans but his background story was also memorable. Harmon is the son of a pastor, Rev. Jerry Harmon, and revealed his family had a hard time accepting him for being gay. In a heartwarming moment, Harmon’s parents sat in the audience to support Harmon last week.
Queerty reports that Rev. Jerry Harmon may have supported his son on television but in a sermon delivered in April he denounced LGBTQ equality.
“This is the sign of a society that God has turned over to itself. Now we live in a society today where we are forced to accept this as normal, and if we don’t we are bigots. If we don’t, we hate. We don’t hate anybody friend…We are trying to point you to the only way to salvation, friend,” Rev. Harmon told the congregation at Grace Bible Baptist Church.
The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”
Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.
(Photos by Santiago Felipe)














Out & About
Come showcase your singing, poetry talent
Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13
Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.
Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Friday, July 31
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, August 1
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Sunday, August 2
“Black Gay Flea: Summer Kickback” will be at 12 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This is a space created to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and the community that shows up for them. Come spend the afternoon shopping with local vendors, discovering new brands, supporting small businesses, and connecting with people from across the DMV. More details are on Eventbrite.
Monday, August 3
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, August 4
The DC Anti-Violence Project will host “Soul Centered” at 7 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. This is not a dating event in the traditional sense. It is a space to meet kindred spirits, future collaborators, mentors, friends, or maybe someone who reminds you of what’s possible. Romance may happen, but it’s not the expectation. For more details, visit DCAVP website.
Wednesday, August 5
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social & Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. To register, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
Thursday, August 6
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
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