Arts & Entertainment
New docuseries claims repressed sexuality key in downfall of Aaron Hernandez
A Netflix docuseries dropping this week alleges that former NFL star and convicted murderer Aaron Hernandez was gay, and that repression of his sexuality was a key factor in his crimes.
“Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez,” which debuts on January 15, is a three-part expansion by director Geno McDermott of his 2018 documentary, “My Perfect World: The Aaron Hernandez Story.” In it, McDermott contends that the former New England Patriots tight end experienced an irreconcilable inner conflict over his sexuality, nurtured by an unstable and homophobic family background and exacerbated by a shady social life coupled with an aggressively heteronormative work environment. According to Daily Beast, Hernandez’ increasingly violent behavior was the result of this conflict.
In addition, the documentary alleges that Hernandez’ spiral into violence may have been tied to CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), a neurodegenerative disorder resulting from repeated head trauma. With a long history of players dying from CTE, the NFL has been accused of covering up and downplaying its significance, and the organization only acknowledged the connection between CTE and football in 2016. A postmortem examination revealed that Hernandez’ brain had been more damaged by CTE than any 27-year-old to date.
McDermott ultimately implies, through extensive trial and news footage, recorded conversations, and interviews with subjects like Dennis SanSoucie (Hernandez’ high school quarterback with whom he allegedly had a sexual relationship) and former Patriots offensive tackle Ryan O’Callaghan (who was closeted throughout his own NFL career), that the NFL was at least partly complicit in Hernandez’ downfall, and therefore in his crimes as well.
In 2015, Hernandez was convicted for the murder of Odin Lloyd, who was the boyfriend of his then-fiancée’s sister. Sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole, he was also tried in a 2012 shooting of two men over a spilled drink. He was acquitted of those murders in 2017; but days later, he was found hanging from bedsheets in his prison cell. The death was officially ruled a suicide.
You can watch a the trailer for “Killer Inside” below.
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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)
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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)
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
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Don’t let Rehoboth rain deter you, there’s lots to do for Memorial Day
HIV Vaccine Awareness Day set for May 18
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Calendar: May 15-21
United Night Out set for Saturday
