Arts & Entertainment
Marvel will reveal an existing character is gay in an upcoming film
The Russo brothers were tight lipped on giving away a name


“Avengers” directors Joe and Anthony Russo revealed that an existing Marvel character will be unveiled as gay in an upcoming film.
In an interview with “EW Morning Live, the Russo brothers discussed the “first openly gay character” in a Marvel film. The character, played by Joe Russo, was an unnamed man who attended a support group for people who lost their loved ones to Thanos’ destruction. The man describes going on a first date with another man and they both became emotional over their loved ones during the date.
“It was an integral scene to show how the world was reacting to what happened in at the end of Infinity War,” Joe says.
Co-host Dalton Ross clarified if this was the first gay character in a Marvel film.
“Yes, openly gay,” Joe replies “There’ve been insinuations about other characters’ sexuality, but this is the first openly gay character.”
When asked by co-host Jessica Shaw who else is gay, Joe replied “We’re gonna find out.”
“That’s a story for another day,” Anthony added.
“There is a gay character coming up in one of their films,” Joe says. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige is expected to make an official announcement about the character.
Feige has hinted at more gay representation in the films. He has said characters, “both ones you’ve seen and ones you haven’t seen,” will be gay in later films.

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)











a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement

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.

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 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 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)




















