Arts & Entertainment
Director Banks confirms Stewart’s “Charlie’s Angels” character is gay
Director Elizabeth Banks is generating buzz ahead of the opening weekend for her new film, the latest reboot of “Charlie’s Angels,” with her comments clarifying the sexuality of the character played by out star Kristen Stewart’s character.
In the new film based on the now-iconic 1970s TV series about three female private detectives, Stewart portrays Sabrina Wilson, the group’s leader, who was originally played by actress Kate Jackson – though in the latest version the character is described as a “party girl” while Jackson’s incarnation was more no-nonsense.
According to Banks, Stewart, who is queer in real life, lobbied to for her character to be gay. Speaking to Pride Source, the actress-turned-director said, “I mean, [Kristen] wanted to be gay in the movie and I’m like, ‘Yeah.’ I just wanted to make sure that she was able to present a character that she was fully behind.”
To be sure the point was getting across, Banks added a scene into the film in which Sabrina flirts with another woman.
The opening-day-eve remarks represent a bit of a surprise reversal for Banks, who in an earlier interview with Digital Spy had previously dismissed the idea that Sabrina was being portrayed as a lesbian and claimed that the character’s sexuality would be “open to interpretation.
“I don’t feel there is a label that fits her,” Banks had said. “The only thing that was important to me was to not label it as anything. It’s fine if the media wants to label it, I think that’s OK, but I didn’t do that.”
Banks, best known to most movie audiences for her roles in the “Hunger Games” and “Pitch Perfect” movie franchises, is a veteran actress who has successfully expanded her career to include writing, producing and directing. Her feature directing debut, “Pitch Perfect 2,” earned $69 million its opening weekend, a record gross for a first-time director. She wrote, directed, and produced the new “Charlie’s Angels,” and also appears in the film as Bosley, a character that was originally male.
The revelation of Stewart’s character as a gay woman has particular resonance in the wake of GLAAD’s recent report finding the number of LGBTQ characters on television at an all-time high.
The Victory Fund held its National Champagne Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, April 27. Speakers included Tim Gunn, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.).
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Music & Concerts
Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’
Out singer/songwriter to perform at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Singer Tom Goss will bring his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to D.C. on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Among the songs he will perform will be “Bear Soup,” the fourth installment in his beloved bear song anthology series. Following fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” this high-energy, bass-thumping banger celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture.
For more details, visit Tom Goss’s website.
Friday, May 2
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at P.F. Chang’s. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 3
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, May 4
“The Chateau Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Chicatana. Enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMV’s best drag performers. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“The Bubble: Queer Brooklyn Comics in DC” will be at 5 p.m. at As You Are. Queer comedians Charlie Flynn, Evan Lazarus and Keara Sullivan are coming down from NYC for a night of fun as they split an hour of standup comedy. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 5
“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 6
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 7
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older queer women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 8
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
South Asian Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The peer support group is an outlet for South Asian-identified LGBTQ individuals to come and talk about anything affecting them. It’s a secure, judgment-free environment to discuss relationships, sexuality, health, well-being, identity, culture, religion, or anything that is on your mind. For more details, email [email protected].
D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride
PHOTOS: Victory Fund National Champagne Brunch
Executive director of LGBTQ Catholic group to travel to Rome for conclave
Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’
Calendar: May 2-8
Second federal lawsuit filed against White House passport policy
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U.S. Federal Courts5 days agoSecond federal lawsuit filed against White House passport policy
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Opinions5 days agoWe must show up to WorldPride 2025 in D.C.
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Opinions2 days agoTRAITOR: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has blood on his hands
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District of Columbia4 days agoRuby Corado sentencing postponed for third time