Arts & Entertainment

Ruby Rose addresses criticism for identifying as gender-fluid and a lesbian

The actress faced backlash when she was cast as ‘Batwoman’

Published

3 years ago

June 10, 2019

**Ruby Rose.** (Photo by Mithoron via Wikimedia Commons)

Actress Ruby Rose opened up about the backlash she received for being cast as the title character and lesbian superhero in “Batwoman.”

Rose, who identifies as a gender-fluid woman and a lesbian, told Entertainment Weekly for the publication’s LGBTQ special issue that people have reacted negatively to her two identities.

“I came to the States to get into acting, and I couldn’t even get a manager or agent, so I made a short film based on my life because I had the time to do it. I put it online, just to say, ‘This is something I wanted to do,’ and it went viral, which I didn’t ever expect. And then I got an opportunity to audition for ‘Orange Is the New Black’ because they wanted to have a gender-neutral character,” Rose says. “But I’ve also gotten backlash. And that’s when you realize you have to keep up with the terminology. When I got cast as a lesbian in ‘Batwoman’, I didn’t know that being a gender-fluid woman meant that I couldn’t be a lesbian because I’m not a woman not considered lesbian enough.”

Rose explains that it took her some time but she took a step back to evaluate why she was receiving backlash for her identity.

“My initial response was ‘Pfft!’ And then I was like, ‘Wait. Let me just figure this one out. How do I right this wrong, because if someone out there is upset by this, I need to know why and how to fix it.’ That’s when I sort of said, ‘I’m a woman that identifies as a woman. I’m not trans. But if being gender-fluid means that I can’t identify as a woman at any point, then I guess I can’t be that,'” Rose says. “Maybe I need to make up another term, one that doesn’t step on any toes. One where I can be fluid in my gender, but also a lesbian, because otherwise, I’m not sure what I am.”

“Batwoman” premieres on the CW this fall.

Out & About

10 LGBTQ events this week

Parties abound with Silver Pride, the ASANA Series and more

Published

1 day ago

August 15, 2022

Michael Key

From left, join the Nice Jewish Boys for a happy hour, watch Brooklyn Heights host the Trailer Park Ball and catch a drag show hosted by Rickey Rosé this week. (Blade file photos by Michael Key)

Below are our picks for some of the most fun and creative things to do this week in the DMV that are of special interest to the LGBTQ community.

Silver Pride

UPDATE: Silver Pride was postponed; a new date is expected to be announced soon.

Join host Rayceen Pendarvis for ‘Back for the First Time: Silver Pride 2022″ at Studio Theatre this afternoon for a celebration of senior members of the LGBTQ+ community.

ASANA Series Opening Party

Tuesday, August 16
6:30-11 p.m.
Pitchers / ALOHO
2317 18th Street, N.W.
Facebook

The Amateur Sports Alliance of North America kicks off its ASANA World Series in D.C. with a party at Pitchers/ALOHO on Tuesday. The event is hosted by Ba’Naka and features special guests DJ Tracy Young, Tatiyanna Voché and E-Cleff.

NJB Hot Boy Summer Happy Hour

*Nice Jewish Boys held the “Mr. Nice Jewish Boy” competition last month. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)*

Thursday, August 18
6:30-9 p.m.
Number Nine
1435 P Street, N.W.
F acebook

The Nice Jewish Boys hold a happy hour on Thursday at Number Nine.

Kaftan Couture Happy Hour

Thursday, August 18
6 p.m.
Trade
1410 14th Street, N.W.
Facebook

The D.C. Boys of Leather mix it up with a kaftan party at Trade on Thursday.

LGBTQ+ Speed Friending

Friday, August 19
7-9 p.m.
Moxy Washington
1011 K Street, N.W.
Facebook | Eventbrite

Go Gay DC! hosts a meet-and-greet at Moxy on Friday. Come by to make some new friends in the LGBTQ community.

We The Kingz: Wet n’ Wild

**Ricky Rosé** (Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Friday, August 19
10 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
No cover
21+
Facebook

Rickey Rosé hosts the We The Kingz show featuring Artemis Demon, Atom Glambert, Baphomette and Phoenix King at JR.’s on Friday.

discoVERS Anniversary

Friday, August 19
10 p.m.
SAX
734 11th Street, N.W.
$30-$50
Facebook

discoVERS returns to SAX for its one year anniversary with DJs Robbie Leslie and Alexis Tucci. There will be a special performance by KC B. Yoncé. The event will sell out, so get your tickets now.

ASANA Series Closing Party

Saturday, August 20
5:30-11 p.m.
DC Brau Brewing Company
3178 Baldensburg Road, N.E., Suite B
Facebook

The ASANA World Series finishes with a bang. The Closing Party will be held at DC Brau on Saturday.

Miss Gay Eastern States America

Saturday, August 20
7-11 p.m.
Rehoboth Beach Convention Center
229 Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, Del.
$20
Eventbrite

Are you in Rehoboth this weekend? Catch a drag competition at the Convention Center on Saturday.

The Trailer Park Ball

Sunday, August 21
8 p.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Facebook

The Trailer Park Ball will be held on Sunday at Freddie’s. All Tips and donations are to benefit the Imperial Court of Washington and Reign X Charities.

Out & About

Award-winning gay comedian returning to D.C.

Sampson McCormick performs at Comedy Loft

Published

1 day ago

August 15, 2022

Tinashe Chingarande

Sampson McCormick brings his latest comedy show to D.C. later this month. (Photo courtesy Kola for 510 Media)

D.C. native and award-winning comedian Sampson McCormick will perform in a series of shows from Thursday, Aug. 25 to Saturday, Aug. 27 at the DC Comedy Loft.

The themes of the shows will include cancel culture and sensitivity —especially as they relate to the rise in violence against comedians — LGBTQ issues and probe many of the other current topics that have been circulating in the news and in conversations on social media and among the public.

Tickets are available on DC Comedy Loft’s website.

Out & About

Reel Affirmations to screen new film

‘Sweetheart’ to run at Landmark Theaters E Street Cinema

Published

1 day ago

August 15, 2022

Tinashe Chingarande

A scene from 'Sweetheart.' (Production still courtesy of Reel Affirmations)

Reel Affirmations, a branch of the DC Center for the LGBT Community that platforms LGBTQ film, will screen “Sweetheart” on Thursday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. at Landmark Theaters E Street Cinema. This film will be screened as part of its monthly series.

“Sweetheart” is a coming-of-age film about a socially awkward and environmentally conscious teenager who meets a carefree lifeguard while on holiday with her family.

In-person tickets cost $15 and virtual tickets cost $10. Virtual tickets can be purchased on this link.