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Iggy Azalea pauses Chicago Pride show to speak on trans equality

The rapper uses show to share statistics

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Iggy Azalea at Chicago Pride. (Photo by Kevin Welch via Twitter)

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.

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PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception

Durand Bernarr headlines program

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Durand Bernarr performs at the 2026 DC Black Pride Opening Reception on Friday, May 22. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The DC Black Pride Opening Reception was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Friday, May 22. Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr was the headline performer. Comedian Anthony Oakes was the host. Speakers included Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson and Center For Black Equity President Kenya Hutton, as well as speakers from health organizations and sponsors. The event featured performances from Billy the Goat, Jay Columbus, Akeem Woods, Rue Pratt, Be Steadwell and Bennu Byrd.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: Black Pride Pageant and Unity Ball

Back-to-back events held on first night of D.C. Black Pride

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The 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Schackelford)

The Mr. and Miss DC Black Pride Pageant was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. Following the pageant, Black Pride events continued with the 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

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PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards

D.C.-area productions honored at Theatre Washington’s annual ceremony

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The 42nd Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 18. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Theatre Washington’s 42nd Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 18.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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