Arts & Entertainment
Iggy Azalea pauses Chicago Pride show to speak on trans equality
The rapper uses show to share statistics
Iggy Azalea chose to use her platform at Chicago Pride on Saturday to speak out on transgender equality.
“I really want to say something important. Because we’re all here for a reason, right?” the 28-year-old Australian rapper addressed the crowd. “I don’t want us to forget the meaning of Pride or why we came here. To a lot of people, you guys are still invisible and you have to fight every day just to be who you are. That’s why we’ve gotta be here tonight because we gotta be loud as f—. This shows you exist and you are valid.”
Azalea launched into a story about Michelle, a transgender woman of color and her friend.
“I see the struggle she goes through every day just to be herself just to walk out the door, the shit that I have the privilege to do every day,” Azalea says.
She then began to share statistics about the threats to the transgender community.
“I want to read everybody that’s going to watch this online statistics quickly about trans people that a lot of people need to hear. 50 percent of trans people have been raped or sexually assaulted. 41 percent of trans people have attempted suicide. 80 percent of trans students feel unsafe at school,” Azalea says.
Azalea brings attention to the fact that 11 transgender women of color have died this year. She also shares that Michelle being a transgender woman of color gives her friend a life expectancy of 35.
I’m about to cry, seriously. This night. This moment. Her words. @IGGYAZALEA thank you for saying what you said. I know it’s hard to speak on something that you’re not used to speaking on and not sure how to speak on correctly, but it meant so much. To so many. We thank you. pic.twitter.com/XoJ6EKlKMg
— Kevin Welch ? (@KevinWelchhh) June 30, 2019
Part 1 pic.twitter.com/3tfgyMcAdU
— Kevin Welch ? (@KevinWelchhh) June 30, 2019
Part 2 pic.twitter.com/c4rgLFujnk
— Kevin Welch ? (@KevinWelchhh) June 30, 2019
a&e features
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
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
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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Calendar: May 15-21
United Night Out set for Saturday
