Arts & Entertainment
Halsey drops new single and video


Grammy-nominated artist Halsey has a big month ahead of her in January, and she’s kicked it off by sharing a brand new single and video.
On Thursday, the multi-platinum artist debuted her new recording, “You Should Be Sad,” along with the accompanying video. The song is from her third studio album, “Manic,” which will be released Friday, January 17, by Capitol Records, and will be available immediately with pre-orders of the album.
After the album drops, Halsey will finish out the month by appearing as the musical guest on the January 25 return of “Saturday Night Live.” The show’s host will be actor Adam Driver, of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” and “Marriage Story.”
The video for “You Should Be Sad” was helmed by Colin Tilley, an award-winning director who has previously worked with Kendrick Lamar and DJ Khaled, among other recording stars. It’s described in press materials as “vibrant” and “kaleidoscopic.”
Earlier last week, Halsey announced the North American leg of the “Manic” World Tour. Produced by Live Nation, it will include shows at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on June 10, Forest Hills Stadium in New York on July 15, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on July 24, and Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre on July 27. Supporting acts for headliner Halsey along the way will be CHVRCHES and Omar Apollo (from June 2 – July 5) and blackbear and PVRIS (from July 12 – August 1).
Since 2015, Halsey has amassed over 25 billion streams worldwide and sold more than 11 million adjusted albums globally. She has played sold out dates on five continents, been nominated for a Grammy, and appeared on magazine covers from Rolling Stone to Forbes. Her 2015 debut album, “Badlands,” went Platinum within a year.
Halsey has become known for using her platform to speak up for causes she believes in, such disenfranchised youth, women’s rights, mental health and the LGBTQ community. She was honored by GLAAD in 2018 as “Outstanding Music Artist.”
You can watch the video for “You Should Be Sad” below.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony

The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)



























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)











a&e features
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.




