Arts & Entertainment
Watch: Jazz Jennings tackle transgender bathroom debate on ‘WWYD’
A mother tells trans woman not use to bathroom in social experiment
ABC’s “What Would You Do?,” a hidden camera show that conducts social experiments on unsuspecting strangers, took on the transgender bathroom debate with transgender activist and “I am Jazz” star Jazz Jennings.
In the episode, a mother protests against a transgender woman, played by transgender actress Nadia Hunter, using the women’s bathroom at a restaurant. Jennings watches the scenarios behind the scenes with host John Quiñones.
One restaurant patron escorts the transgender woman to the bathroom.
“I’m a Christian, so, like, I have certain beliefs,” the patron says. “You just got to love people the way you’re supposed to love people.”
“But what message is this to my daughter?” the mother responds.
“Everybody pees?” the patron replies. “And that’s really it. Everybody has to use the bathroom.”
Another patron agrees with the mother saying, “Thank Obama. I think Obama is the one that created that problem.”
In another take, a group of men voice their support for the transgender diner.
“Just seeing you guys stick up for this woman over here was so incredible to me,” Jennings tells the group. “It really just restored my faith in humanity. Because not everyone had the same reaction as you guys. Thank you for accepting and appreciating people for who they are.”
For the last scenario, Jennings joins Hunter at the table.
Watch below.
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)
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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)
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