Arts & Entertainment
Taylor Swift blasts homophobia, shouts out GLAAD on new track
‘You Need to Calm Down’ is the second single from her album ‘Lover’
Taylor Swift. (Photo by Glenn Francis/Pacific Pro Digital Photography)
Taylor Swift released her new song “You Need to Calm Down,” the second single from her upcoming album “Lover,” and it’s being hailed as a pro-LGBTQ anthem.
In the song, Swift calls out haters with the second verse dedicated to people who have anti-LGBTQ views. She even namechecks media watchdog organization GLAAD.
According to TMZ, GLAAD has received an increase in donations since the song’s release.
“You are somebody that we don’t know. But you’re coming at my friends like a missile. Why are you mad? When you could be GLAAD? Sunshine on the street at the parade. But you would rather be in the dark ages making that sign. Must have taken all night,” Swift sings. “You just need to take several seats and then try to restore the peace / And control your urges to scream about all the people you hate. Cause shade never made anybody less gay.”
“Can you just not step on his gown?” Swift adds in the refrain.
did @taylorswift13 just — pic.twitter.com/MkfkkBComN
— GLAAD (@glaad) June 14, 2019
Fans praised the track for calling out homophobia on social media.
Honestly though, #YouNeedToCalmDown talks about self-expression, bullying, double standards, being gay, AND it’s an 80s synth-esque bop. Thank you, @taylorswift13. pic.twitter.com/zjNgLqcAxH
— Ryan Schocket (@RyanSchocket) June 14, 2019
@taylorswift13 ending homophobia and sexism in 2 minutes and 51 seconds #YouNeedToCalmDown pic.twitter.com/52gBQu4mXe
— Mauricio: Stream/Buy #YouNeedToCalmDown (@MauricioSwift13) June 14, 2019
The fact taylor Swift dropped her new song on Trumps birthday & it’s all about how hiding behind the internet & focusing on being rude is a waste of time and how everyone should be accepted and not shading them is ICONIC #YouNeedToCalmDowm pic.twitter.com/8QFivoS8Yt
— Alla (@allakmiller) June 14, 2019
Girls and gays we’re really going to be screaming “‘CAUSE SHADE NEVER MADE ANYBODY LESS GAY” at the next tour. That’s really happening.
— Chris Swiftie™?️?? (@HuffleBoy) June 14, 2019
Listen up lgbt swifties can you imagine screaming “shade never made anybody less gay” at the ts7 tour with all your friends because I can and… I’m crying
— Jemima Skelley (@jemimaskelley) June 14, 2019
“Lover” will be released on Aug. 23.
Listen below.
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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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